Antral follicle

Antral Follicle

Antral follicle (pronunciation: an-tral fol-i-kul) is a term used in reproductive biology to describe a stage in the development of ovarian follicles.

Etymology

The term "antral" is derived from the Latin word "antrum," which means "cave." This is in reference to the fluid-filled cavity that characterizes antral follicles. The term "follicle" comes from the Latin word "folliculus," meaning "small bag."

Definition

An antral follicle is a type of ovarian follicle that has reached a stage of maturity characterized by the presence of an antrum, or fluid-filled cavity. These follicles are typically 2-9mm in diameter and can be seen and measured using ultrasound technology.

Function

The primary function of an antral follicle is to produce and release an ovum (or egg) during the ovulation process. The antrum, filled with follicular fluid, provides a nurturing environment for the developing ovum.

Related Terms

Ovarian follicle: A fluid-filled sac that contains an immature egg, or oocyte. Antral follicles are a type of ovarian follicle.
Antrum: A cavity or chamber. In the context of antral follicles, the antrum is a fluid-filled cavity.
Ovulation: The process by which a mature egg is released from the ovarian follicle.
Oocyte: An immature egg cell. The oocyte matures within the antral follicle until it is ready for ovulation.