Ovary: primordial follicles

Primordial follicles frequently appear in clusters near the surface of the ovarian cortex. These follicles develop in fetal ovaries during gestation and are seen in this position throughout the reproductive life of the female. Primordial follicles consist of a primary oocyte surrounded by follicular cells, composed of a simple squamous epithelium and its underlying basement membrane. 400x

Primordial follicles frequently appear in clusters near the surface of the ovarian cortex. These follicles develop in fetal ovaries during gestation and are seen in this position throughout the reproductive life of the female. Primordial follicles consist of a primary oocyte surrounded by follicular cells, composed of a simple squamous epithelium and its underlying basement membrane. 400x

Primordial follicles frequently appear in clusters near the surface of the ovarian cortex. These follicles develop in fetal ovaries during gestation and are seen in this position throughout the reproductive life of the female. Primordial follicles consist of a primary oocyte surrounded by follicular cells, composed of a simple squamous epithelium and its underlying basement membrane. 400x

Primordial follicles frequently appear in clusters near the surface of the ovarian cortex. These follicles develop in fetal ovaries during gestation and are seen in this position throughout the reproductive life of the female. Primordial follicles consist of a primary oocyte surrounded by follicular cells, composed of a simple squamous epithelium and its underlying basement membrane. 400x

Primary oocytes correspond to the same developmental stage as primary spermatocytes. However, diploid primary ooctyes are formed before birth and arrest in prophase of the first meiotic division at that time. A primary oocyte has a large nucleus, displaying dispersed chromatin, and a prominent nucleolus.