Page 850 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 21.6 | Ovary: Section of Ovary Showing

Ovarian Cortex with Developing Follicles

This higher-magnification photomicrograph illustrates a section of an ovarian
cortex. Covering the ovarian surface is a thin layer of cuboidal cells of the

germinal epithelium (1). Inferior to germinal epithelium (1) is the thicker layer
of tunica albuginea (5). Inferior to the tunica albuginea (5) is the connective
tissue of the ovarian cortex (8), which contains primordial follicles (2)

surrounded by flat follicular cells. A larger primary follicle (4) with a primary
oocyte (3) is surrounded by stratified cuboidal granulosa cells. Also visible are
other primary follicles (6) with cuboidal follicular cells. On the right side is a
larger follicle with disorganized granulosa cells in the antrum and with pyknotic
nuclei; this appears to be an atretic follicle (7).

FIGURE 21.6 ■ Ovary: a section of ovarian cortex and developing follicles.

Stain: hematoxylin and eosin. ×64.

FIGURE 21.7 | Ovary: Ovarian Cortex and

Primary and Primordial Follicles

The ovarian surface is covered by a cuboidal germinal epithelium (10) that
overlies the tunica albuginea (16). Primordial follicles (14, 17) are located in
the cortex inferior to the tunica albuginea (16), and each one is surrounded by a

single layer of squamous follicular cells (17). As the follicles grow larger, the
follicular cells (17) of the primordial follicles (14, 17) change to cuboidal, or low

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