The antrum, specifically the follicular antrum, is formed within an ovarian follicle.
Understanding the Follicular Antrum
The follicular antrum is a fluid-filled cavity that appears during the maturation of an ovarian follicle. Its presence marks a key stage in follicular development.
Follicular Development Stages
Here's a simplified view of follicular development, highlighting the role of the antrum:
- Primary Follicle: The initial stage.
- Secondary Follicle: The stage where the follicular antrum appears. This is a crucial transition. As the reference material notes, the "appearance of the follicular antrum during follicular maturation is the first sign that a follicle has reached the next stage of maturation. It has changed from a primary follicle to a secondary follicle."
- Mature Follicle (Graafian Follicle): A fully developed follicle ready for ovulation.
Significance of the Antrum
The formation of the antrum is significant because:
- It indicates that the follicle is progressing in its development.
- The fluid within the antrum (follicular fluid) contains hormones and other substances that are important for oocyte (egg cell) maturation.
