A mature ovarian follicle that contains a single oocyte. The Graafian follicle secretes the female hormone estrogen. Following ovulation, it changes form to become the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
a vascular body in a mammalian ovary enclosing a developing egg
a fluid-filled cystic structure in the ovary that contains an oocyte and granulosa cells
Final stage in the differentiation of follicles in the mamĀmalian ovary. Consists of a spherical fluid filled blister on the surface of the ovary that bursts at ovulation to release the oocyte.
A nearly mature egg or ovum, contained in a layer of cells, which ruptures when ovulation takes place.
Regnier de Graaf, Dutch physician and anatomist, 1641-1673; L. folliculus - a small bag] A follicle found in mammalian ovaries that is mature and ready to release an ovum. After ovulation, it becomes a corpus luteum.
Synonym for preovulatory follicle. A large, mature tertiary follicle that will respond to an adequate LH surge or injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by undergoing ovulation, releasing its egg. Produces estradiol and, with exposure to LH or hCG, progesterone. Named after Reijnier de Graaf (1641-1673), the first person to see and to appreciate the importance of the ovarian follicle.
structure in the ovary, containing an egg cell
Mature follicle which will be ovulated