Introduction

Abstract

Follicular growth and maturation in the mammalian ovary represent a process of differentiation which is accompanied by complex morphological, biochemical and molecular transformations of various components of the follicle, such as the oocyte, granulosa and thecal layer. These transformations lead to the formation of eggs from a limited number of follicles depending upon the mammalian species, as most of the follicles in different stages of their growth and differentiation are lost through degeneration (atresia).