Ovary: primary multilaminar follicle
A primary multilaminar follicle is formed when follicular cells, now termed granulosa cells, increase in volume and number, forming a stratified epithelial layer. Zona pellucida, a highly refractile, glycoproteinaceous layer, is prominent around the oocyte at this stage. Stromal cells surrounding the follicle differentiate into the theca (theca folliculi). 400x
Primary oocyte
A primary multilaminar follicle is formed when follicular cells, now termed granulosa cells, increase in volume and number, forming a stratified epithelial layer. Zona pellucida, a highly refractile, glycoproteinaceous layer, is prominent around the oocyte at this stage. Stromal cells surrounding the follicle differentiate into the theca (theca folliculi). 400x
Zona pellucida
A primary multilaminar follicle is formed when follicular cells, now termed granulosa cells, increase in volume and number, forming a stratified epithelial layer. Zona pellucida, a highly refractile, glycoproteinaceous layer, is prominent around the oocyte at this stage. Stromal cells surrounding the follicle differentiate into the theca (theca folliculi). 400x
Granulosa cells
A primary multilaminar follicle is formed when follicular cells, now termed granulosa cells, increase in volume and number, forming a stratified epithelial layer. Zona pellucida, a highly refractile, glycoproteinaceous layer, is prominent around the oocyte at this stage. Stromal cells surrounding the follicle differentiate into the theca (theca folliculi). 400x
Basement membrane
A primary multilaminar follicle is formed when follicular cells, now termed granulosa cells, increase in volume and number, forming a stratified epithelial layer. Zona pellucida, a highly refractile, glycoproteinaceous layer, is prominent around the oocyte at this stage. Stromal cells surrounding the follicle differentiate into the theca (theca folliculi). 400x
Theca folliculi
A primary multilaminar follicle is formed when follicular cells, now termed granulosa cells, increase in volume and number, forming a stratified epithelial layer. Zona pellucida, a highly refractile, glycoproteinaceous layer, is prominent around the oocyte at this stage. Stromal cells surrounding the follicle differentiate into the theca (theca folliculi). 400x