an oocyte, surrounded by a layer of flattened epithelial cells called follicular cells. The oocyte is the immature egg cell. Follicular cells surround a developing egg cell and secrete female sex hormones. There are approximately 400,000 primordial follicles at puberty. Of these, probably fewer than 500 will be released from the ovary during the reproductive life of a woman.

At puberty, the anterior pituitary gland secretes increased amounts of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). In response, the ovaries enlarge and many of the primordial follicles begin to mature. During this maturation process, the oocyte enlarges and the follicle cells multiply until there are 6 to 12 layers. Fluid-filled spaces begin to appear among the follicle cells. These spaces join to form a single cavity called the antrum. Ten to fourteen days after this process begins, the primordial follicle reaches maturity. The mature primordial follicle (preovulatory or graafian follicle) and its fluid-filled cavity bulges outwards on the surface of the ovary, like a blister. This blister is artificially aspirated out (i.e. removed from its place) and fused with the sperm in the labouratory and put back into the womb, during assisted reproduction. i.e.,Test tube baby.

Fallopian Tubes

These are also known as uterine tubes, which serve as ducts for the ovaries, providing a passageway to the uterus. The tubes