I - Introduction.- II - Primordial Follicle.- A. Balbiani’s Vitelline Body.- B. Nucleus.- C. Follicle Wall.- D. Surrounding Stromal Cells.- III - Follicle Growth.- A. Oocyte.- 1. Ooplasmic Components.- 2. Protein Synthesis.- 3. Lipid Bodies.- 4. Enzymes.- 5. Cortical Granules.- a) Origin.- b) Morphology.- c) Distribution.- d) Chemistry.- 6. Deutoplasmic Inclusions.- 7. Metabolism.- 8. Distribution of Organelles and Inclusions in the Egg.- 9. Nucleus and Formation of Storage of Informational Molecules.- a) Nucleus and Nucleic Acids.- b) Proteins.- B. Zona Pellucida.- 1. Origin.- 2. Structure.- 3. Physicochemistry.- 4. Permeability.- 5. Receptors for Sperm.- 6. Antigenicity.- 7. Biological Effects of Antizona Pellucida Antibodies.- C. Morphological and Physiological Interrelationships Between the Granulosa Cells and Growing Oocyte.- E. Follicle Wall.- 1. Theca.- a) Development and Differentiation of Theca Interna (or Thecal Gland) and its Vascularity.- b) Smooth Muscle Cells.- c) Innervation.- d) Neuromuscular Relationship.- e) Enzymes.- f) Steroid Hormone Synthesis.- 2. Granulosa.- a) Granulosa Cell Origin, Multiplication and Morphology.- b) Call-Exner Bodies.- c) Plasma Membrane Specialization and Their Significance.- d) Cytological, Histochemical and Biochemical Features.- E. Basal Lamina and Transfer of Substances into the Follicle.- F. Follicular Fluid.- 1. Types and Origin.- 2. Physical Characteristics.- 3. Chemical Composition.- a) Carbohydrates and Glycoproteins.- b) Proteins.- c) Enzymes.- d) Elements.- e) Inhibitors and Stimulators.- f) Hormones.- IV - Ovum Maturation.- A. Nuclear Changes and Expulsion of Polar Bodies.- B. Cytoplasmic Changes.- C. Alterations of the Oocyte Follicle Cell Relationship (or Oocyte-Cumulus Communication).- 1. Changes In Vivo.- 2. Changes In Vitro.- D. Effects of Hormones, Drugs, and Various Other Factors on Oocyte Maturation.- 1. Gonadotropins.- 2. Cyclic Nucleotides, Prostaglandins and Hypothalamic Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH).- 3. Follicular Fluid Inhibitors.- 4. Steroid Hormones.- 5. Ions and Electrolytes.- 6. Miscellaneous Factors.- E. RNA and Protein Synthesis and Other Metabolic Changes.- 1. RNA Synthesis.- 2. Protein Synthesis.- 3. Metabolic Changes.- V - Ovulation.- A. Intrafollicular Pressure and Vascular Changes.- B. Nervous, Muscular and Neuromuscular Controls.- C. Enzymatic Digestion and Morphological Alterations.- D. Role of Hormones and Prostaglandins.- VI - Luteinizatioii and Steroidogenesis in the Follicle Wall During Pre-ovulatory and Ovulatory Periods.- A. Granulosa Cells.- B. Theca Interna Cells.- C. Shift in Steroid Production in the Ovulatory Follicle.- VII - Follicular Atresia.- A. Morphology, Histochemistry, Biochemistry and Physiology.- 1. Primordial and Primary Follicles.- a) Oocyte.- b) Granulosa Cells.- 2. Secondary and Tertiary Follicles.- a) Granulosa.- b) Theca.- c) Oocyte and Zona Pellucida.- B. Factors Influencing Follicular Atresia.- 1. Hormonal and Nonhormonal Chemical Factors.- 2. Aging Factor.- 3. Ischaemia and Dietary Factors.- 4. Intra-ovarian Factors.- 5. Irradiation.- C. Significance of Follicular Atresia.- 1. Formation of Interstitial Gland Tissue and its Role in Steroidogenesis.- 2. Limiting the Number of Offspring.- 3. Decrease in Fertility.- D. General Discussion and Conclusions.- References.
