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Related Concept Videos

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

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...
Oogenesis02:07

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...
Ovaries01:26

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...
Ovarian Cycle01:27

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Doppler Ultrasonography for Live Imaging and Quantification of Ovarian Vascular Function in Mice
08:05

Doppler Ultrasonography for Live Imaging and Quantification of Ovarian Vascular Function in Mice

Published on: November 14, 2025

New insights into ovarian function.

Joanne S Richards1, Stephanie A Pangas

  • 1Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, BCM130, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA. joanner@bcm.tmc.edu

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|September 15, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding ovarian follicle development is crucial for fertility treatments and population control. This review highlights recent advances in mammalian ovary research, particularly using mouse models, to improve our knowledge of follicular dynamics.

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Whole Ovary Immunofluorescence, Clearing, and Multiphoton Microscopy for Quantitative 3D Analysis of the Developing Ovarian Reserve in Mouse
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Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
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Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Published on: October 24, 2025

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

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Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
06:40

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Published on: October 24, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Cellular and molecular biology

Background:

  • Infertility affects numerous couples globally, while population growth strains planetary resources.
  • Understanding the regulation of primordial follicle pool size and follicular development is vital for reproductive health and fertility management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in mammalian ovarian research, focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms of follicle formation, development, and ovulation.
  • To highlight the contribution of mouse models to understanding ovarian function.
  • To bridge basic research insights with clinically relevant applications in fertility.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on mammalian ovarian research.
  • Focus on studies utilizing mouse models to investigate ovarian follicle dynamics.
  • Analysis of cellular and molecular events controlling follicle development and ovulation.

Main Results:

  • Recent research has provided new insights into the fundamental processes governing ovarian follicle development.
  • Mouse models have been instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms of primordial follicle pool regulation and follicular growth.
  • Advances in understanding ovulation mechanisms have been reported.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into ovarian function, particularly using advanced models, is essential.
  • New insights into ovarian biology can inform the development of improved in vitro fertilization techniques.
  • Understanding these processes may lead to novel strategies for fertility regulation.