tertiary ovarian follicle

antral follicle

A follicle that has reached the most mature stage of folliculogenesis, characterized by the presence of the antrum.

Type Organ
Parent Structure ovarian follicle
Latin Name antral follicle
FMA ID 18641

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes a tertiary ovarian follicle from earlier follicle stages?
A tertiary ovarian follicle, also called a Graafian follicle, is distinguished by the presence of the follicular antrum — a fluid-filled cavity that forms within the granulosa cell layers. This antrum is absent in primordial, primary, and secondary follicles, making antrum formation the defining milestone of the tertiary stage.
What is the fate of a tertiary ovarian follicle?
In each menstrual cycle, typically one tertiary follicle becomes dominant and continues to enlarge. At ovulation, the mature Graafian follicle ruptures to release the oocyte. The remaining follicular cells then transform into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to support early pregnancy.
How large does a tertiary ovarian follicle grow?
A mature tertiary (Graafian) follicle can reach 15–25 mm in diameter just before ovulation. Transvaginal ultrasound can visualize these follicles during assisted reproductive procedures, allowing clinicians to time ovulation trigger injections accurately.

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.