Graafian Follicle: The follicle that ruptures and releases the ovum during the ovulatory phase is known as a Graafian follicle since it is completely developed. It is a mature fluid-filled cavity present inside the ovary which contains the female gamete/ovum. A fully mature Graafian follicle ruptures and releases the ovum in the mid of the menstrual cycle. The remnants of Graafian follicle remaining after ovulation are known as corpus luteum. A steroid hormone called progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum. Progesterone is necessary for the maintenance of the pregnancy after fertilization.

Functions of Graafian Follicle

• It forms the corpus luteum which helps for the preparation of implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
• It helps for maturation and release of the egg.
• A fluid-filled, round vesicle in a mammal’s ovary that contains an oocyte connected to its wall and is responsible for the ovary’s oestrogen production.
• Around the end of the oocyte’s cytoplasmic development stage, a cavity forms amid the follicle cells surrounding the oocyte.
• It enlarges during the early portion of the oestrus cycle in animals with an oestrus cycle, causing follicle cells to split into two layers, one around the egg and the other an exterior layer, until the follicle bursts on to the ovary’s surface, discharging the oocyte (ovulation).
• The majority of follicles, on the other hand, will not ovulate and will simply degenerate, leaving the corpus luteum in most mammals.
• The pituitary gland regulates the growth of follicles.

Diagram of Graafian Follicle

Follow on Facebook

By Team Learning Mantras