Page 854 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

The granulosa cells (5) surround the antrum (4, 7) and secrete follicular fluid

of the antrum cavity. Smaller isolated accumulation of the fluid among the
granulosa cells (5) is the intercellular follicular fluid (6, 9).

The basal row of granulosa cells (5) rests on a thin basement membrane
(10) that separates the granulosa cells (5) from the cells of the theca interna
(11). Surrounding the cells of the theca interna (11) is the theca externa (12)

layer that blends with the connective tissue (13) of the ovarian cortex.

FIGURE 21.10 ■ Ovary: primary oocyte and the wall of a mature follicle. Stain:
hematoxylin and eosin. High magnification.

FIGURE 21.11 | Corpus Luteum (Panoramic

View)

At a higher magnification, the corpus luteum is a collapsed mass of glandular
epithelium consisting of theca lutein cells (5) and granulosa lutein cells (6).

Theca lutein cells (5) extend along the connective tissue septa (3) into the folds
of the corpus luteum.

The theca externa (2) cells form a poorly defined capsule around the corpus
luteum that also extends inward with the connective tissue septa (3) into folds.

The center of the corpus luteum or the former follicular cavity (9) contains

remnants of follicular fluid, serum, blood cells, and loose connective tissue with
blood vessels (7) from the theca externa that has extended into the glandular
epithelium and then spread throughout the core of the corpus luteum. Some
corpora lutea may contain a postovulatory blood clot (8) in the former follicular

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