Granulosa cells
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2008-07-04T11:46:57Z
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:mature Graffian follicle.jpg|frame|right|Histology of the preovulatory follicle]] -->
A '''granulosa cell''' is a [[somatic cell]] found closely associated with the developing female [[gamete]] (called an [[oocyte]] or egg) in the [[ovary]] of [[mammal]]s.
==Anatomy and function==
In the primary [[ovarian follicle]] and later in follicle development ([[folliculogenesis]]) they advance to form a multilayered [[cumulus oophorus]] surrounding the [[oocyte]] in the preovulatory or [[Graafian follicle]].
The major functions of granulosa cells include the production of [[steroid]]s, as well as a myriad of growth factors thought to interact with the [[oocyte]] during its development.
Also FSH stimulates granulosa cells to convert [[androgens]] (coming from the [[thecal cells]]) to [[estradiol]] by [[aromatase]]. However, after ovulation the granulosa cells produce progesterone that may maintain a potential pregnancy and produce a thick cervical mucus which inhibits sperm entry into the uterus
== Embryology of ovarian granulosa cells ==
In the [[development of the urinary and reproductive organs]], the [[oogonia]] become invaginated in the [[gonadal ridge]].
In the 1970’s, evidence emerged that the first cells to make contact with the oogonia were of mesonephric origin. It was suggested that mesonephric cells already closely associated with the [[oogonia]] proliferated throughout development to form the granulosa cell layer.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Satoh M | title = Histogenesis and organogenesis of the gonad in human embryos | journal = J Anat | volume = 177 | issue = | pages = 85–107 | year = | pmid = 1769902}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Upadhyay S, Zamboni L | title = Preliminary observations on the role of the mesonephros in the development of the adrenal cortex | journal = Anat Rec | volume = 202 | issue = 1 | pages = 105–111 | year = 1982 | pmid = 7059014 | doi = 10.1002/ar.1092020112}}</ref><ref>Zamboni, L., Bezard, J., and Mauleon, P. (1979). The role of the mesonephros in the development of the sheep fetal ovary. Annales de Biologie Animal Biochimie et Biophysique 19, 1153-78.</ref>
Recently this hypothesis has been challenged with some thorough histology. Sawyer et al. hypothesised that in sheep most of the granulosa cells develop from cells of the [[mesothelium]] (i.e., epithelial cells from the presumptive surface epithelium of the ovary). <ref>{{cite journal | author = Sawyer H, Smith P, Heath D, Juengel J, Wakefield S, McNatty K | title = Formation of ovarian follicles during fetal development in sheep | journal = Biol Reprod | volume = 66 | issue = 4 | pages = 1134–50 | year = 2002 | pmid = 11906935 | doi = 10.1095/biolreprod66.4.1134}}</ref>
The embryological origin of granulosa cells remains controversial.
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Oocyte_granulosa_cells.jpg|Oocyte granulosa cells
</gallery>
== References ==
<references/>
==See also==
* [[Granulosa cell tumour]]
* [[Ovulation]]
* [[Membrana granulosa]]
==External links==
* {{BUHistology|18404loa}} - "Female Reproductive System: ovary, cumulus oophorus"
* {{BUHistology|14808loa}} - "Female Reproductive System: ovary, membrana granulosa"
* {{MeshName|Granulosa+Cells}}
{{Cell-biology-stub}}
{{Female reproductive system}}
[[Category:Steroid hormone secreting cells]]
[[de:Granulosazelle]]
[[he:תא גרנולוזה]]
[[pl:Warstwa ziarnista]]