Understand the concept of follicular development: Follicular development refers to the maturation process of ovarian follicles, which are structures in the ovaries that contain and nurture the developing egg (oocyte). This process occurs in a specific sequence during the ovarian cycle.
Learn the stages of follicular development: The stages include the primordial follicle, primary follicle, secondary follicle, Graafian (mature) follicle, and ovulation. Each stage represents a progressive level of follicle maturation.
Primordial follicle: This is the earliest stage of follicular development. It consists of a small oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened granulosa cells. These follicles are present at birth and remain dormant until activated during the ovarian cycle.
Primary follicle: The primordial follicle develops into a primary follicle when the granulosa cells become cuboidal and begin to proliferate. The oocyte also starts to grow during this stage.
Secondary follicle → Graafian follicle → Ovulation: The primary follicle progresses to the secondary follicle, where fluid-filled spaces (antrum) begin to form. The Graafian follicle is the fully mature follicle that eventually ruptures during ovulation, releasing the oocyte for potential fertilization.