FOLLICULOGENESIS

A Journey through Ovarian Development

 INTRODUCTION
• Folliculogenesis is the intricate process of follicle development within the ovaries.
• It encompasses the growth and maturation of follicles, leading to the release of a
mature egg during ovulation.
• The journey of folliculogenesis plays a pivotal role in fertility and reproductive
health.
•Beyond its role in fertility, folliculogenesis is clinically relevant in assisted
reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
•Disorders in folliculogenesis can impact fertility, and research in this field
contributes to advancements in reproductive medicine.
 Stages Of Folliculogenesis
There are mainly 4 stages of
Folliculogenesis:

• •Primordial Follicle
Development.
• •Primary Follicle Development
• •Secondary Follicle Development
• •Tertiary (Graafian) Follicle
Development
 1- Primordial Follicle Development
•Primordial follicles are the most
primitive and dormant form of ovarian
follicles

•Each primordial follicle consists of an

immature egg cell, also known as an
oocyte, surrounded by a single layer of
flattened granulosa cells.

•Activation: The transition from

primordial to primary follicles marks the
activation of folliculogenesis. This
process is regulated by factors such as
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
 2. Primary Follicle Development
•Under the influence of FSH, a subset
of primordial follicles undergoes
transformation into primary follicles.

•The primary follicle consists of a

single immature egg (oocyte)
surrounded by a layer of cuboidal
granulosa cells.

•The primary follicle secretes a glycoprotein layer

called the zona pellucida around the oocyte.

•The primary follicle represents a transitional stage,

and its further maturation involves additional layers
of granulosa cells and the formation of an antrum.
3. Secondary Follicle Development
• A hallmark of the secondary follicle is the
development of a fluid-filled cavity known as the
antrum.

• The antrum is formed by the accumulation of

follicular fluid secreted by granulosa cells, creating a
space within the follicle

• Granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte undergo

organization into multiple layers.

• Theca cells, located outside the follicle, become

more prominent and play a role in supporting
follicular growth.
 4. Tertiary Follicle Development
•Tertiary follicles, also known as Graafian follicles, represent the apex of
folliculogenesis and are characterized by advanced maturation.
•This stage indicates the follicle's readiness for ovulation, a crucial event in the
menstrual cycle.
•The oocyte within the tertiary follicle undergoes
final maturation processes,preparing it for
ovulation.
•Tertiary follicles contribute significantly to
hormonal output, particularly estrogen.
•Elevated estrogen levels play a pivotal role in triggering the surge of
Luteinizing Hormone (LH), a signal for ovulation.
 OVULATION AND FERTILIZATION

OVULATION FERTILIZATION
Mercury is the closest planet to Venus is the second planet from the
the Sun and the smallest one in Sun. It’s hot and has a poisonous
the Solar System atmosphere