Follicular development is the process by which eggs mature in follicles (contained in the ovaries) through different stages. It begins with primordial follicles, which contain immature eggs and make up the ovarian reserve. Some of these follicles develop into primary follicles, then into secondary follicles, which are more advanced in development. Secondary follicles either die (atresia) or further develop into antral follicles, which contain fluid-filled cavities. Each menstrual cycle, one antral follicle becomes the dominant follicle, maturing fully to release a mature egg during ovulation. This process repeats monthly until the ovarian reserve is depleted. Read more here.
Synonyms:
atretic, atresia, primordial follicle, primary follicle, secondary follicle, antral follicle, dominant follicle, follicle