Female Reproductive System - Oogenesis and Folliculogenesis

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to oogenesis and folliculogenesis.

Oogenesis

The development of the egg.

Folliculogenesis

The development of the follicle.

Oogonia

The cells that divide and create primary oocytes before birth.

Primary Oocytes

Diploid cells that start meiosis I before birth, but arrest in prophase I.

Primordial Follicles

Early follicles with a simple squamous covering surrounding the oocyte.

Atresia

The degeneration of oocytes.

Secondary Oocyte

A haploid cell formed after unequal meiosis I, containing most of the cytoplasm. It is ovulated but arrested in metaphase II.

Polar Body

A small, non-viable daughter cell produced during oogenesis that contains one set of chromosomes but little cytoplasm and is discarded.

Fertilization

The event that triggers the completion of meiosis II in the secondary oocyte.

Zygote

The diploid cell formed after the sperm fertilizes the egg.

Primary Follicle

A follicle with cuboidal granulosa cells, indicating it has been 'picked' for development.

Granulosa Cells

The cells that surround the oocyte in the primary follicle.

Secondary Follicle

Larger than primary follicles, they have multiple layers of cells and a zona pellucida.

Zona Pellucida

A clear layer of fluid that defines a secondary follicle.

Tertiary Follicle

Also known as an antral follicle, characterized by a developed follicular fluid called antrum.

Mature Follicle

The final stage of follicle development, typically present about 14 days before ovulation. Contains a secondary oocyte.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that drives the development of the tertiary to mature follicle stage.

Corpus Luteum

The structure formed from the remaining follicle after ovulation, which secretes progesterone.

Cortex (of Ovary)

The outer region of the ovary where follicles are located.

Medulla (of Ovary)

The inner region of the ovary that contains a large blood supply.