Which ovarian structure is defined as a mature follicle containing a cumulus mass with a single oocyte?

Which ovarian structure is defined as a mature follicle containing a cumulus mass with a single oocyte?

• A. Primary follicle
• B. Graafian follicle
• C. Corpus luteum
• D. Ovarian stroma

Answer: (B)

The mature, preovulatory follicle is the Graafian follicle. In the ovarian cycle, a follicle progresses from an immature primary stage to a mature follicle that contains a fluid-filled antrum and a cumulus oophorus, which is the cumulus mass that surrounds a single oocyte. This makes Graafian follicles the identifiable, dominant follicle right before ovulation. A primary follicle is an earlier stage with only a single layer of granulosa cells and no large antrum or cumulus mass. The corpus luteum forms after the follicle ruptures at ovulation and becomes a temporary endocrine gland, not a mature follicle containing a cumulus mass. Ovarian stroma is the supportive connective tissue of the ovary, not a follicle.

The mature, preovulatory follicle is the Graafian follicle. In the ovarian cycle, a follicle progresses from an immature primary stage to a mature follicle that contains a fluid-filled antrum and a cumulus oophorus, which is the cumulus mass that surrounds a single oocyte. This makes Graafian follicles the identifiable, dominant follicle right before ovulation.

A primary follicle is an earlier stage with only a single layer of granulosa cells and no large antrum or cumulus mass. The corpus luteum forms after the follicle ruptures at ovulation and becomes a temporary endocrine gland, not a mature follicle containing a cumulus mass. Ovarian stroma is the supportive connective tissue of the ovary, not a follicle.