A follicle sac located in the ovaries . Each follicle contains an immature egg (oocyte) and plays a central role in the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility .
🧬 Function of the Follicle 📆 During each cycle: Follicular phase beginsSeveral follicles in the ovaries begin to mature under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) . One follicle becomes dominant (called the Graafian follicle ):This dominant follicle grows larger and prepares its egg for ovulation. Ovulation (around mid-cycle) :A surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) burst , releasing the mature egg into the fallopian tube — this is ovulation . Post-ovulation :The empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. 🔍 Key Follicle Stages Stage Description Primordial follicle Smallest, most immature follicle (present from birth) Primary follicle Begins to grow and develop in early cycle Secondary follicle Grows further and forms fluid-filled spaces Graafian follicle Fully mature follicle ready to release an egg Corpus luteum Formed from the empty follicle post-ovulation
✅ Summary Follicle A fluid-filled structure in the ovary that nurtures an egg as it matures. The dominant follicle is the one that will release an egg during ovulation.
