Illustration of the stages of development of a human ova (egg) from a primordial follicle (top left) through to a graafian follicle (bottom left). Pri

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Illustration of the stages of development of a human ova (egg) from a primordial follicle (top left) through to a graafian follicle (bottom left). Primordial follicles are produced in the ovary by the seventh month of foetal development, consisting of a primary oocyte surrounded by a layer of follicular cells. Futher growth is arrested until female reaches sexual maturity, when, under hormonal influences, the follicle develops through successive stages form a graafian follicle. During each ovarian cycle, up to 20 follicles develop; only 1 reaches full maturity to be released at ovulation (bottom right).

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Size: 2638px × 3808px
Photo credit: © FRANCIS LEROY, BIOCOSMOS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: anatomy, artwork, body, female, follicle, graafian, human, ovarian, ovulation, reproduction, reproductive, system