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Dance of cells: How do the inner workings of follicles surprise you?
Follicles are critical and fascinating structures in the female reproductive system. These roughly spherical aggregates of cells are found in the ovaries and are responsible for secreting hormones that influence the menstrual cycle. Each woman has approximately 200,000 to 300,000 follicles during puberty, releasing eggs during approximately 450 to 500 ovulations, placing the chance of continuing life in her own ovaries.
Structure of the ovarian follicle
The ovarian follicle is the basic unit of female reproductive biology and contains a single oocyte. These structures develop in an orderly manner during the menstrual cycle, culminating in the release of a competent oocyte, usually.
The main structures of the follicle include: oocyte, granulosa cells, inner membrane and outer membrane of the follicle.
Oocyte and its development
Every month, the ovary releases a mature egg, called an oocyte. The nucleus of this oocyte is called the germinal vesicle.
As the follicle matures, the oocyte inside it undergoes a detailed and complex developmental process.
Role of granulosa cells
Granula cells, or follicle cells, are the cells that surround the oocyte, and their number increases in response to rising levels of circulating gonadotropins. The function of these cells is not only to protect the eggs, but also to provide them with the necessary nutrients and hormones to promote their development.
The development process of follicles
Starting from the primordial follicle, and then developing into primary, secondary and tertiary follicles, follicles at different stages have different characteristics and functions. In humans, eggs are formed in the ovaries before birth and may remain dormant until activated, a process that can take up to 50 years.
Clinical significanceEvery month, one or a few functional oocytes complete maturity and ovulate, while the rest of the follicles degenerate and become atrophic follicles.
Any follicle larger than about three centimeters in diameter is classified as an ovarian cyst. Ovarian function can be measured by gynecological ultrasound examination of the volume of follicles. With the advancement of technology, ultrasound images can now quickly and automatically reconstruct the volume of follicles in three dimensions.
Rupture of the ovarian follicle may cause abdominal pain, a phenomenon known as mid-term pain (mittelschmerz), which is one of the diagnostic considerations.
Future Outlook
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue offers new hope for those who wish to preserve their fertility, particularly for those whose fertility potential is threatened by cancer treatment. In terms of in vitro follicle culture, more and more technologies and methods are being developed to optimize follicle growth.
These technological advances could change women's fertility choices and their reproductive health in the future.
Conclusion
The operation inside the follicle is like a dance of cells. Each cell performs its own function and cooperates with each other to weave the prelude of life. In the future, women’s reproductive options will continue to expand with the advancement of technology. So, how will this dance of life affect our lives?
