In: Anatomy and Physiology
a developing follicle just prior to ovulation is known as?
- A developing ovarian follicle just prior to ovulation is known as tertiary follilce or mature graafian follilce.
- Folliculogenesis is the process of development of ovarian follicle under the influence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of anterior pituitary gland.
- The stages of development of ovarian follicle are as follows :- primordial follicle --> primary follicle --> secondary follicle --> tertiary or mature graafian follilce. Graafian follilce ruptures during the process of ovulation and releases secondary occyte midway in the ovarian cycle under the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from anterior pituitary gland.
- Graafian follilce ruptures and releases secondary occyte and gets converted into corpus luteum which secretes the hormone progesterone which maintains the uterine endometrial lining in anticipation of pregnancy.
- If fertilization does not happen post ovulation then the corpus luteum degenerates and gets converted into corpus albicans which eventually gets atrophied.