Anatomy and Physiology of Ovarian Follicle

Abstract

Female reproductive system is a place of origin of a new human life. It produces female gametes, gives a supportive environment for fertilization and embryo development, ultimately it nurtures a growing fetus for 40 weeks of gestation. Women are born with two ovaries placed on either sides of the uterus in the abdomen. They have a complex role on regulating menstrual cycle, producing hormones and monthly giving a single mature oocyte that is ready for fertilization, subsequently giving a couple a chance for pregnancy. It is the intention of this chapter to describe a structure of a single follicle that is a place of human oocyte origin, its development through various stages of woman's life and menstrual cycle. Also, we will explain the effect of hormones on ovarian tissue and follicle development and how they affect oocyte maturation, what happens to the follicle after the rupture, and what is the significance of various growth factors and chemical signals in physiology of the follicle.