Ovarian Follicle (also known as Follicle, Ovarian, Follicles, Ovarian): An OOCYTE-containing structure in the cortex of the OVARY. The oocyte is enclosed by a layer of GRANULOSA CELLS providing a nourishing microenvironment (FOLLICULAR FLUID). The number and size of follicles vary depending on the age and reproductive
An OOCYTE-containing structure in the cortex of the OVARY. The oocyte is enclosed by a layer of GRANULOSA CELLS providing a nourishing microenvironment (FOLLICULAR FLUID). The number and size of follicles vary depending on the age and reproductive state of the female. The growing follicles are divided into five stages: primary, secondary, tertiary, Graafian, and atretic. Follicular growth and steroidogenesis depend on the presence of GONADOTROPINS.
MeSH classification
A05.360.319.114.630.535
A06.300.312.497.535
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An OOCYTE-containing structure in the cortex of the OVARY. The oocyte is enclosed by a layer of GRANULOSA CELLS providing a nourishing microenvironment (FOLLICULAR FLUID). The number and size of follicles vary depending on the age and reproductive state of the female. The growing follicles are divided into five stages: primary, secondary, tertiary, Graafian, and atretic. Follicular growth and steroidogenesis depend on the presence of GONADOTROPINS. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Ovarian Follicle known by any other names?
Yes. Ovarian Follicle is also referred to as Follicle, Ovarian, Follicles, Ovarian, Ovarian Follicles, Graafian Follicle in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Ovarian Follicle sit in the medical classification?
Ovarian Follicle falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A05.360.319.114.630.535, A06.300.312.497.535). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
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