Granulosa cell: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 21:27, 21 February 2025

Diagram of a section through the ovary showing follicles at different stages of development.

Granulosa cells are somatic cells of the sex cord that are closely associated with the developing female gamete, the oocyte, within the ovary. These cells play a crucial role in the development and function of the ovarian follicle, as well as in the production of sex steroids.

Structure[edit]

Granulosa cells are found in the ovarian follicles, which are the basic units of female reproductive biology. Each follicle contains an oocyte, surrounded by granulosa cells and theca cells. The granulosa cells form several layers around the oocyte and are involved in the formation of the zona pellucida, a glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte.

Function[edit]

Granulosa cells have several important functions:

Support of the oocyte: They provide physical support and nutrients to the developing oocyte.
Hormone production: Granulosa cells are responsible for the production of estrogens, which are crucial for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Follicular development: They play a role in the maturation of the ovarian follicle, which is necessary for ovulation.

Follicular Development[edit]

Granulosa cells undergo several stages of development as the follicle matures:

Primordial follicle: In the earliest stage, granulosa cells are flat and form a single layer around the oocyte.
Primary follicle: The granulosa cells become cuboidal and proliferate to form multiple layers.
Secondary follicle: The granulosa cells continue to proliferate and secrete follicular fluid, forming the antrum.
Graafian follicle: In the mature follicle, granulosa cells form the cumulus oophorus, which supports the oocyte.

Role in Ovulation[edit]

Granulosa cells are involved in the process of ovulation. They respond to the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) by producing enzymes that break down the follicular wall, allowing the release of the oocyte.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Granulosa cells are involved in several clinical conditions:

Granulosa cell tumor: A rare type of ovarian tumor that arises from granulosa cells.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A condition characterized by an imbalance in sex hormones, affecting granulosa cell function.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Granulosa cells''' are a type of [[cell]] that are part of the [[ovary]] in the female [[reproductive system]]. They are involved in the production of [[sex hormones]] and the development of [[ovum|ova]].
+[[File:Pig_oocyte_dapi_4.jpg|thumb|right|Micrograph of a pig oocyte surrounded by granulosa cells.]]
+[[File:Gray1164.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a section through the ovary showing follicles at different stages of development.]]
+Granulosa cells are somatic cells of the sex cord that are closely associated with the developing female gamete, the oocyte, within the ovary. These cells play a crucial role in the development and function of the ovarian follicle, as well as in the production of sex steroids.
-== Function ==
+==Structure==
+Granulosa cells are found in the ovarian follicles, which are the basic units of female reproductive biology. Each follicle contains an oocyte, surrounded by granulosa cells and theca cells. The granulosa cells form several layers around the oocyte and are involved in the formation of the [[zona pellucida]], a glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte.
-Granulosa cells have several important functions in the female reproductive system. They are involved in the production of sex hormones, including [[estrogen]] and [[progesterone]], which are essential for [[menstrual cycle|menstrual cycles]], [[pregnancy]], and [[menopause]]. They also play a crucial role in the development of ova, or eggs, which are necessary for [[fertilization]] and reproduction.
+==Function==
+Granulosa cells have several important functions:
-== Structure ==
+* '''Support of the oocyte''': They provide physical support and nutrients to the developing oocyte.
+* '''Hormone production''': Granulosa cells are responsible for the production of [[estrogen]]s, which are crucial for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
+* '''Follicular development''': They play a role in the maturation of the ovarian follicle, which is necessary for ovulation.
-Granulosa cells are found in the [[ovarian follicle]], which is a small sac in the ovary that contains an immature egg. They surround the egg and provide it with nutrients and hormones necessary for its development. As the follicle matures, the number of granulosa cells increases, and they begin to produce estrogen.
+==Follicular Development==
+Granulosa cells undergo several stages of development as the follicle matures:
-== Clinical significance ==
+* '''Primordial follicle''': In the earliest stage, granulosa cells are flat and form a single layer around the oocyte.
+* '''Primary follicle''': The granulosa cells become cuboidal and proliferate to form multiple layers.
+* '''Secondary follicle''': The granulosa cells continue to proliferate and secrete follicular fluid, forming the antrum.
+* '''Graafian follicle''': In the mature follicle, granulosa cells form the cumulus oophorus, which supports the oocyte.
-Abnormalities in granulosa cells can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, [[Granulosa cell tumor|granulosa cell tumors]] are a type of [[ovarian cancer]] that originates from granulosa cells. These tumors can produce large amounts of estrogen, leading to symptoms such as abnormal [[menstruation]] and [[endometrial hyperplasia]].
+==Role in Ovulation==
+Granulosa cells are involved in the process of ovulation. They respond to the surge in [[luteinizing hormone]] (LH) by producing enzymes that break down the follicular wall, allowing the release of the oocyte.
-[[Polycystic ovary syndrome]] (PCOS) is another condition that can be associated with abnormalities in granulosa cells. In women with PCOS, the granulosa cells may not function properly, leading to an imbalance in sex hormones and the development of multiple small cysts in the ovaries.
+==Clinical Significance==
+Granulosa cells are involved in several clinical conditions:
-== See also ==
+* '''Granulosa cell tumor''': A rare type of ovarian tumor that arises from granulosa cells.
+* '''Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)''': A condition characterized by an imbalance in sex hormones, affecting granulosa cell function.
-* [[Ovary]]
+==Related pages==
 * [[Ovarian follicle]]
+* [[Oocyte]]
 * [[Estrogen]]
-* [[Progesterone]]
+* [[Luteinizing hormone]]
-* [[Polycystic ovary syndrome]]
-* [[Granulosa cell tumor]]
-== References ==
-<references />
 [[Category:Cell biology]]
 [[Category:Reproductive system]]
-[[Category:Endocrinology]]
-{{stub}}
-<gallery>
-File:Pig_oocyte_dapi_4.jpg|Granulosa cell
-File:mature_Graffian_follicle.jpg|Mature Graafian follicle
-File:Gray1164.png|Granulosa cell
-</gallery>