GLOSSARY

A granulosa cell surrounds the egg in an ovarian follicle and is the main source of oestradiol in women before menopause. As the follicle grows, these cells increase from a single layer to millions of cells.

Main Functions

• Making oestradiol: converting androgens from theca cells into oestradiol with the enzyme aromatase, under the influence of FSH.
• Supporting the egg: communicating with the egg through gap junctions and supplying nutrients.
• Hormone secretion: inhibin, AMH and follistatin.
• Follicular fluid: forming the antrum in growing follicles.

Change After Ovulation

After the LH surge and ovulation, granulosa cells become granulosa lutein cells