Question

Up to two dozen follicles mature to the secondary follicle stage in each cycle, but usually only one of them ________.

1) develops into a mature egg
2) remains at the secondary follicle stage
3) degenerates and is reabsorbed by the body
4) undergoes apoptosis

Answer 1

In a menstrual cycle, usually only one out of the many developing secondary follicles will turn into a mature egg, while the rest undergo atresia, being absorbed back into the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the process of folliculogenesis, up to two dozen follicles may develop to the secondary follicle stage in a woman's menstrual cycle. However, typically only one of these follicles will advance to the next stage of development. This follicle will develop into a mature egg, or secondary oocyte, which is then released during ovulation. The others will not reach maturity and will instead undergo atresia, which is the process of degeneration and being reabsorbed by the body. Atresia can occur at any stage of follicular development, hence it's not uncommon that the non-dominant follicles will go through this process. It is important to understand that of all the follicles that could potentially ovulate, almost 99 percent will not survive to the point of ovulation, highlighting the selective nature of folliculogenesis.