We are doing some more histology. I hope those of you that do not understand the more technical details enjoy the pictures I've taken.
Today's Medical Topic: Histology of The Ovarian Follicle
The Tissue Sample: Alrighty. Let's take a look.
Particularly we are looking at an antral follicle. That is, we are looking at an ovarian follicle in the critical preovulatory stage. Basically, this follicle is about to spit out an oocyte.
So here is the what we are looking at:
Here we can identify a bunch of things:
Thecal cells: These cells are identified by their wavy appearance. These cells synthesize androgens which are sex hormones.
Oocyte: This is the precursor to the "egg." It remains suspended in prophase I until it is released during ovulation where it undergoes meiosis I in response to a lutenizing hormone surge.
Zona pellucida: The thin, dark ring around the oocyte. This is just a glycoprotein membrane surrounding the plasma membrane of an oocyte. This is the structure that binds to incoming spern during fertilization.
Granulosa cells: These are spotted/roundish cells that occur around the zona pellucida and the antrum. These cells synthesize estrogen.
Antrum: The large mostly empty space between the granulosa cell layers. This area contains a nutritive liquor.
That was fun, right? Histology is always awesome.
Particularly we are looking at an antral follicle. That is, we are looking at an ovarian follicle in the critical preovulatory stage. Basically, this follicle is about to spit out an oocyte.
 |
| (click for big) |
Thecal cells: These cells are identified by their wavy appearance. These cells synthesize androgens which are sex hormones.
Oocyte: This is the precursor to the "egg." It remains suspended in prophase I until it is released during ovulation where it undergoes meiosis I in response to a lutenizing hormone surge.
Zona pellucida: The thin, dark ring around the oocyte. This is just a glycoprotein membrane surrounding the plasma membrane of an oocyte. This is the structure that binds to incoming spern during fertilization.
Granulosa cells: These are spotted/roundish cells that occur around the zona pellucida and the antrum. These cells synthesize estrogen.
Antrum: The large mostly empty space between the granulosa cell layers. This area contains a nutritive liquor.
That was fun, right? Histology is always awesome.
Send questions or comments to dudaday@gmail.com
Disclaimer: I am not a health care provider, any information presented in this blog should not be considered advice it is mearly an outlet to slake my curiosity. You should always consult your primary medical provider for any concerns or illness. Unlike Tylenol, I am not approved by the FDA or American Medical Association to treat or provide relief for any ailment.
No comments:
Post a Comment