OVARIAN FOLLICLES Meaning and
Definition
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Ovarian follicles are a fundamental component of the female reproductive system and are essential for the process of ovulation. These follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs located within the ovaries. They serve as the site of development and maturation for the ova (eggs) produced by the female reproductive system.
Each ovarian follicle consists of an egg, or oocyte, surrounded by a single layer of specialized cells known as granulosa cells. These granulosa cells provide nourishment and support to the developing egg.
During each menstrual cycle, several ovarian follicles begin to develop; however, typically only one follicle will fully mature and release an egg. This mature follicle is called the dominant follicle. The growth and development of these follicles are regulated by hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland.
Once the dominant follicle reaches maturity, it ruptures and releases the egg into the fallopian tube, where it can potentially be fertilized by sperm. If fertilization does not occur, the remnant of the ruptured follicle, known as the corpus luteum, produces hormones that help prepare the uterus for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.
Understanding the structure and function of ovarian follicles is crucial for studying female reproductive health, fertility, and for various assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Common Misspellings for OVARIAN FOLLICLES
- ivarian follicles
- kvarian follicles
- lvarian follicles
- pvarian follicles
- 0varian follicles
- 9varian follicles
- ocarian follicles
- obarian follicles
- ogarian follicles
- ofarian follicles
- ovzrian follicles
- ovsrian follicles
- ovwrian follicles
- ovqrian follicles
- ovaeian follicles
- ovadian follicles
- ovafian follicles
- ovatian follicles
- ova5ian follicles
- ova4ian follicles
Etymology of OVARIAN FOLLICLES
The word "ovarian" comes from the Latin word "ovarius", which means "of or pertaining to an egg" or "relating to the ovary". The term "follicle" comes from the Latin word "folliculus", meaning "small bag" or "small sac". In the context of biology and anatomy, a follicle refers to a small sac or cavity in which an ovum (egg) develops. Therefore, the term "ovarian follicles" refers to the small sacs or structures within the ovaries that contain developing eggs.
