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Folliculogenesis

Folliculogenesis

Folliculogenesis is the development of ovarian follicles, the specialized structures within the ovarian cortex where oogenesis, or egg development, occurs. This process is essential for female reproductive health and begins during fetal development when primordial follicles are formed. Each primordial follicle comprises a primary oocyte in the center, surrounded by a single layer of squamous pre-granulosa cells. These follicles remain dormant in late prophase I of meiosis until triggered by...

Ovarian Cycle

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

Oogenesis, the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...

Ovaries

Ovaries

The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.
On the ovarian surface, a layer of cuboidal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Extraction, Labeling, and Purification of Lineage-Specific Cells from Human Antral Follicles

Extraction, Labeling, and Purification of Lineage-Specific Cells from Human Antral Follicles

Published on: November 30, 2022

Ovarian theca cells in follicular function.

Kimihisa Tajima¹, Makoto Orisaka, Takahide Mori

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23 Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.

Reproductive Biomedicine Online

|November 22, 2007

Summary

Theca cells initiate and stimulate ovarian follicle growth through complex signaling pathways. These cells play a crucial, previously underestimated role in regulating follicle development and fate.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Endocrinology
Cell Biology

Background:

Theca cells are critical components of ovarian follicles.
Their precise roles in folliculogenesis and atresia require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the multifaceted roles of theca cells in ovarian follicular function.
To propose a dual action concept for luteinizing hormone (LH) based on theca cell responses.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on theca cell function.
Analysis of signaling pathways involving FSH, LH, growth factors, and theca cells.

Main Results:

Theca cells may initiate follicle growth and stimulate granulosa cell mitosis via FSH-induced androgen receptors.
LH exhibits dual actions: stimulating androgen production at tonic levels and inducing luteinization alongside androgenesis at surge levels.
Bidirectional signaling between oocytes and theca cells is vital for preantral folliculogenesis and atresia.

Conclusions:

Theca cells possess a more significant role in ovarian follicular function than previously recognized.
The proposed dual action concept of LH helps explain dominant follicle maturation and subordinate follicle atresia.