Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A follicle is a small sac located in the ovaries that contains and nurtures immature eggs, or oocytes, until they are mature enough for ovulation. Each follicle consists of a developing egg surrounded by supportive cells.
The process during which a mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube for potential fertilization.
Oocyte: An immature egg cell that resides within the follicle of the ovary, undergoing several stages of development before becoming capable of being fertilized.
Corpus luteum: The structure that forms from the empty follicle after an egg has been released during ovulation, which secretes hormones necessary for maintaining pregnancy if fertilization occurs