A spherical aggregation of cells in the ovary that contains a single oocyte[WP,modified]. [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovarian_follicle http://www.repropedia.org/ovarian-follicle ]
Synonyms: follicle of ovary viewed macroscopically follicle of ovary ovary follicle
Term information
- VHOG:0001536
- NCIT:C33244
- BTO:0000475
- SCTID:361111009
- CALOHA:TS-0726
- TAO:0001110
- Wikipedia:Ovarian_follicle
- MESH:D006080
- ZFA:0001110
- MA:0001707
- UMLS:C0018120 (ncithesaurus:Ovarian_Follicle)
- GAID:371
- MAT:0000449
- FMA:18640
- EMAPA:35627
uberon_slim, pheno_slim, vertebrate_core, human_reference_atlas
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Human_ovarian_follicle.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Primary_follicle-4.JPG
Oocyte development of zebrafish has been divided into five stages based on morphological criteria and on physiological and biochemical events. Stage I follicles (less than 140 microns) are primary growth stage, stage II follicles (140-340 microns) are cortical alveolus stage, stage III (340-690 microns) are vitellogenesis, stage IV (690-730 microns) are oocyte maturation, and stage V follicles are matured egg. Selman et al, 1993.[TAO]
The somatic cell component of the follicle produces hormones important for oocyte development and proper endocrine function
Examination of different vertebrate species shows that the adult gonad is remarkably similar in its morphology across different phylogenetic classes. Surprisingly, however, the cellular and molecular programs employed to create similar organs are not evolutionarily conserved.[uncertain][VHOG]
These structures are periodically initiated to grow and develop, culminating in ovulation of usually a single competent oocyte in humans. These eggs/ova are only developed once every menstrual cycle (e.g. once a month in humans)