| ovarian follicle | <biology, gynaecology> In mammals the group of cells around the primary oocyte proliferate and form a surrounding noncellular layer. A space opens up in the follicle cells and the whole structure is then the ovarian Graafian) follicle. (05 Jan 1998) |
|---|---|
| follicle | 1. <anatomy> Generally a small sac or vesicle. 2. <botany> A kind of fruit formed from a single carpel, that splits to release its seeds. 3. <dermatology> A hair follicle, an invagination of the epidermis into the dermis surrounding the hair root. 4. <gynaecology, physiology> An ovarian follicle, an oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of granulosa cells. As the ovarian follicle develops a cavity forms and it is then termed a Graafian follicle. (12 Nov 1997) |
| follicle cell | <gynaecology, pathology> A layer of cells within an ovarian follicle which surrounds the oocyte (proto-ovum) and provides certain nutrients to it. (09 Oct 1997) |
| follicle-stimulating hormone | <hormone> An acidic glycoprotein secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. In women, follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the development of ovarian follicles (eggs) and stimulates the release of oestrogens. In men, follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the production of sperm. Abnormal follicle-stimulating hormone levels may be seen in the following conditions: hypopituitarism, Klinefelter syndrome, polycystic ovary disease, Turner's syndrome and ovarian failure. Synonym: follitropin. Acronym: FSH (12 Sep 2002) |
| follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing factor | A decapeptide of hypothalamic origin capable of accelerating pituitary secretion of follitropin. Synonym: follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing factor, follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone. Origin: follicle-stimulating hormone + L. Libero, to free, + -in (05 Mar 2000) |
| follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone | A decapeptide of hypothalamic origin capable of accelerating pituitary secretion of follitropin. Synonym: follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing factor, follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone. Origin: follicle-stimulating hormone + L. Libero, to free, + -in (05 Mar 2000) |
| luteinised unruptured follicle syndrome | <syndrome> The failure of a follicle to release the egg even though a corpus luteum has formed. (09 Oct 1997) |
| luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing factor | gonadotrophin-releasing hormone |
| lymph follicle | Lymphatic follicle, one of the spherical masses of lymphoid cells, frequently having a more lightly staining centre. See: solitary lymphatic follicles, Peyer's patches. Synonym: folliculus lymphaticus, lymph nodule, nodulus lymphaticus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| afferent lymphatic | A lymphatic vessel entering, or bringing lymph to, a node. Synonym: vas lymphaticum afferens, afferent vessel. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aggregated lymphatic follicles | Lymphoid organs located in the sub mucosal tissue of the mammalian gut containing very high proportions of IgA secreting precursor cells. The patches have B and T dependent regions and germinal centres. A specialised epithelium lies between the patch and the intestine. Involved in gut associated immunity. (18 Nov 1997) |
| aggregated lymphatic follicles of vermiform appendix | Masses of lymphoid tissue in the submucous coat of the vermiform appendix. Synonym: folliculi lymphatici aggregati appendicis vermiformis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aggregated lymphatic nodules | Lymphoid organs located in the sub mucosal tissue of the mammalian gut containing very high proportions of IgA secreting precursor cells. The patches have B and T dependent regions and germinal centres. A specialised epithelium lies between the patch and the intestine. Involved in gut associated immunity. (18 Nov 1997) |
| aortic lymphatic plexus | A plexus of lymph nodes and connecting vessels lying along the lower portion of the abdominal aorta. Synonym: plexus aorticus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cardiac lymphatic ring | A group of lymph nodes surrounding the cardia of the stomach. Synonym: annulus lymphaticus cardiae, cardiac lymphatic ring. (05 Mar 2000) |