Theca of follicle

Theca of follicle
Latin	theca folliculi

The theca folliculi comprise a layer of the ovarian follicles. They appear as the follicles become tertiary follicles.

The theca are divided into two layers, the theca interna and the theca externa.

The theca folliculi are responsible for the production of testosterone from androstenedione in females.

Theca interna

Theca interna cells express receptors for luteinizing hormone, which when activated will stimulate the production of androstenedione from cholesterol by the enzyme desmolase. Androstenedione ultimately gives the granulosa the precursor for estrogen manufacturing.

After rupture of the mature ovarian follicle, the theca interna cells differentiate into the theca lutein cell of the corpus luteum. These cells secrete progesterone.

The theca externa is the outer layers of the theca folliculi. It contains abundant collagen and is mainly supportive.

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Follicles/ Folliculogenesis	corpus (hemorrhagicum, luteum, albicans) • Theca folliculi (externa, interna) • Follicular antrum (Follicular fluid) • Corona radiata • Zona pellucida • Membrana granulosa (Granulosa cells)

Ovaries/ Oogenesis	Germinal epithelium • Tunica albuginea • cortex (Cumulus oophorus, Stroma) • Medulla

Fallopian tubes	Isthmus • Ampulla • Infundibulum • Fimbria

Ligaments	Broad (components: Mesovarium, Mesosalpinx, Mesometrium contents: Round of uterus, Proper of ovary) • Suspensory of ovary • Cardinal

corpus/body (Cavity of the body, Fundus)

Vagina	vestibular glands/ducts (Bartholin's glands/Bartholin's ducts, Skene's glands/Skene's ducts) • Fossa of vestibule of vagina • Vaginal fornix • Hymen • Orifice

Labium	commissures (Anterior • Posterior) • Frenulum labiorum pudendi • Labia majora • Cleft of venus • Labia minora • Vulval vestibule • interlabial sulci

Clitoris	Vestibular bulbs • Clitoral crura • Corpus cavernosa • Clitoral glans (Frenulum, Hood)

Vestiges

Other

The content of this section is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License (local copy). It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Theca interna" modified November 23, 2008 with previous authors listed in its history.