Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Stigma (anatomy)
A stigma in mammalian reproductive anatomy refers to the area of the ovarian surface where the graafian follicle will burst through during ovulation and release the ovum.
As the follicle matures, the area between the follicle and the ovarian surface begins to thin and weaken under the influence of the luteinizing hormone and local cytokines. At ovulation the stigma ruptures and the ovum is released along with follicular fluid. The ovum needs to be captured by the fallopian tube where it could be fertilized by a sperm cell. The stigma will heal and the residual follicle is transformed into the corpus luteum.
Last updated: 05-09-2005 18:51:25
10-26-2009 08:16:03
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details