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Ovarian Follicle MeSH Descriptor Data 2026


MeSH Heading
Ovarian Follicle
Tree Number(s)
A05.360.319.114.630.535
A06.300.312.497.535
Unique ID
D006080
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D006080
Annotation
/cytol: consider also THECA CELLS; GRANULOSA CELLS; for follicular development use /‌physiol, not /‌growth
Scope Note
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.
Entry Term(s)
Atretic Follicle
Graafian Follicle
Ovarian Follicles
NLM Classification #
WP 320
See Also
Granulosa Cells
Ovum
Theca Cells
Public MeSH Note
1999; see GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE 1966-1998
History Note
1999
Date Introduced
1999/01/01
Last Updated
2024/08/09
Ovarian Follicle Preferred
Graafian Follicle Narrower
Atretic Follicle Narrower
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