The Ovary: A General Overview of Follicle Formation and Development

doi:10.1017/9781108891646.001

Chapter 1 - The Ovary: A General Overview of Follicle Formation and Development

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 November 2022

Mark A. Fenwick

Edited by

Rachel Cutting and

Mostafa Metwally

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Rachel Cutting: Affiliation:
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, London
Mostafa Metwally: Affiliation:
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the University of Sheffield

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Summary

This chapter provides a summary of human ovarian physiology. The reader is introduced to basic concepts of sex determination, in particular how primordial germ cells and somatic cells differentiate and multiply to establish the reserve of primordial follicles. Key molecular and cellular events associated with primordial and preantral stages of follicle development are described. The chapter then provides an overview of antral follicle development, which is subdivided to consider the morphological changes and the role of granulosa and theca cells in steroidogenesis, along with development of the oocyte. The changes that occur as the follicle matures towards ovulation are also considered, in particular the fundamental role of hormones, cumulus expansion and resumption of meiosis. Finally, establishment and maintenance of the corpus luteum is briefly discussed. Diagrams of steroidogenesis and an overview of follicle formation and development are provided to supplement the text.

Type: Chapter
Information: Manual of Oocyte Retrieval and Preparation in Human Assisted Reproduction , pp. 1 - 9

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108891646.001 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2022

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