Final answer:
During follicle maturation in the ovary, there are three cell types involved: primordial follicles, primary follicles, and secondary follicles. Each has distinct characteristics and functions in the development of the follicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
During maturation in the ovary, there are different types of cells involved in the development of a follicle:
- Primordial follicles: These are small resting follicles that surround the oocyte with a single layer of granulosa cells.
- Primary follicles: After puberty, a few primordial follicles respond to recruitment signals and become primary follicles. These follicles have a single layer of granulosa cells that transition from a flat to a rounded shape.
- Secondary follicles: As the primary oocyte secretes a thin acellular membrane called the zona pellucida, follicles are now referred to as secondary follicles. They increase in diameter and add an outer layer of connective tissue, blood vessels, and theca cells, which work with granulosa cells to produce estrogens.
These different cell types contribute to the growth and maturation of the follicle in the ovary.