This medium magnification
image shows a multilaminar primary follicle. The follicle contains a primary
oocyte, with a centrally located nucleus, surrounded by several layers of
follicle cells, called granulosa cells. The follicular
cells are separated from the primary oocyte by a thick layer of extracellular
matrix, called the zona pellucida. The connective
cells surrounding the follicle are in the early stages of forming the theca.
Several primordial follicles are visible in the
upper left corner of the image.
