Final answer:
In the anterior pituitary, each follicle contains multiple cell types, including granulosa cells and theca cells, with these cell types increasing in number as the follicle develops from the primordial to secondary and then tertiary stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the anterior pituitary, each follicle does not actually contain a single cell type but rather multiple cell types. During the process of folliculogenesis, primordial follicles begin with a single layer of flat granulosa cells. As they mature into primary follicles, these cells become active, increase in size, and proliferate.
Eventually, as the follicles develop into secondary follicles, they consist of multiple layers of granulosa cells, a newly formed outer layer of connective tissue, blood vessels, and theca cells. These different cell types work together to produce estrogens in response to hormonal stimulation from the pituitary. In later stages, for tertiary follicles, the number of granulosa and theca cells contribute to the follicle's ability to produce more estrogen and become the dominant follicle, which is ultimately the one to release an oocyte.