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|maplink = Reproductive System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology

|maplink = Reproductive System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology

|pagetype =Anatomy

|pagetype =Anatomy

|sublink1=Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology#Female Reproductive Tract

|sublink1=Female Reproductive Tract -The Ovary - Anatomy & Physiology#Processes Taking Place In The Ovary

|subtext1=PROCESSES TAKING PLACE IN THE OVARY

|sublink2=Female Reproductive Tract -The Ovary - Anatomy & Physiology|subtext2=THE OVARY

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}}

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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The follicle is the functional unit of the ovary containing both gametes (Oocyte) and endocrine cells (Granulosa and Theca cells). A female is born with all the primordial follicles it is ever going to have i.e Primordial Follicles do not divide anymore, they either develop further into primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles or they degenerate. Therefore the number of follicles declines with age as follicles develop and degenerate during the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oestrus cycle]]. When the supply of follicles is depleted then reproductive senescence occurs. In humans this phenomenon is known as "The Menopause".  Prior to ovulation, [[The_Ovary_-_Oogenesis_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oogenesis]] and hormone production both occur in the follicle. The process of follicular growth is known as '''Folliculogenesis'''.

The follicle is the functional unit of the ovary containing both gametes (Oocyte) and endocrine cells (Granulosa and Theca cells). A female is born with all the primordial follicles it is ever going to have i.e Primordial Follicles do not divide anymore, they either develop further into primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles or they degenerate. Therefore the number of follicles declines with age as follicles develop and degenerate during the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oestrus cycle]]. When the supply of follicles is depleted then reproductive senescence occurs. In humans this phenomenon is known as "The Menopause".  Prior to ovulation, [[The_Ovary_-_Oogenesis_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oogenesis]] and hormone production both occur in the follicle. The process of follicular growth is known as '''Folliculogenesis'''.