Laronda Lab Vocabulary

Atresia

The naturally-occurring degeneration of follicles after they have formed (but before they have fully matured) through hormonally regulated apoptosis.

Control-rate (slow) freezing

A slow freezing method that allows for control of the nucleation site to prevent ice formation within cells and tissues.

Corticomedullary junction

A location that marks the transition between the ovarian cortex and medulla.

Cryopreservation

A process where cells or whole tissues are processed in protective media and stored in low sub-zero temperatures to preserve cellular function.

Cryoprotectant

A substance that prevents the formation of ice crystals in frozen cells.

Egg (ovum)

The female reproductive cell or gamete.

Folliculogenesis

The process of ovarian follicle development that is broken down into discrete follicle stages.

Functional tissue unit (FTU)

Structure or group of cells performing a unique physiologic function and replicated multiple times in a whole organ.

Gamete

Reproductive cell of an animal or plant.

Germ cells

General term that can refer to primordial germ cells (PGCs), oocytes, or spermatids.

Granulosa cell

Steroidogenic somatic cell surrounding the oocyte, providing physical support and nutrients.

Gonadal sex determination

Process in which an undifferentiated gonad forms ovaries or testes, initiated around 6 weeks gestation.

Gonads

Primary reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and ova and secreting hormones.

Leydig cells

Testosterone-producing cells in the testes located outside of the seminiferous tubule.

Oocyte

A female germ cell that is not yet ready for fertilization.

Ovarian cortex

The outer layer of the ovary defined by the presence of primordial follicles.

Ovarian follicle

The functional unit of the ovary, composed of an oocyte surrounded by companion somatic cells.

Ovarian hilum

A transitional region where blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels enter or exit the ovary.

Ovarian medulla

The inner layer of the ovary composed of loose connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and late-stage follicles.

Ovarian reserve

The fixed number of primordial follicles that dictates a female’s reproductive lifespan.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)

Technique developed to preserve oocytes within tissue for future use.

Ovary

One of a pair of female glands where eggs form and hormones are made.

Primordial follicle

The quiescent stage of ovarian follicular development with an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of granulosa cells.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs)

The earliest recognized gamete precursors that migrate to the gonads during embryonic development.

Seminiferous tubules

Compartment in which spermatogenesis occurs, housing the germ cell population.

Sex determination

The process in which the undifferentiated gonad develops into an ovary or testis.

Sertoli cells

Somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules that support germ cells as they develop.

Spermatogenesis

Process by which male gametes (sperm) are produced.

Sperm cryopreservation

Standard approach for preserving fertility in males by cryopreserving a sample of ejaculate.

Steroid hormones

Hormones produced in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries with various biological roles.

Testis

The primary tissue of the male reproductive system, site of spermatogenesis and hormone secretion.

Testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC)

Method to preserve fertility in prepubertal patients requiring surgical removal of testicular tissue.

Theca cell

Somatic cells that form an enveloping sheath around the granulosa cell layer and produce androgens.