Question

Though the total number of follicles in the ovaries of a normal young woman is about 4,00,00. The duration between menarche and menopause is limited. This is attributed to the
A. Follicular atresia
B. Liquor folliculi
C. Follicular proliferation
D. Follicular plasticity

Answer 1

Hint: Ovarian follicles are tiny sacs filled with fluid that are present within a female's ovaries. They secrete hormones that affect phases of the menstrual cycle and females start puberty with around 300,000 to 400,000 of them. Every single follicle has the potential to release an egg for fertilisation.

Complete step-by-step answer:
A follicle is a tiny sac of fluid in the ovaries that comprises an evolving egg. Women start puberty with approximately 300,000 to 400,000 eggs. Each monthly menstrual cycle several follicles, each containing an egg, are chosen to grow and mature. Each month, a single follicle is chosen and goes on to maturity. When this follicle has matured and grown to the correct size, the follicle breaks and releases the egg, which is now ready to be fertilised. This is generally about 14 days after the start of the menstrual cycle. Follicles secrete hormones that cause dissimilar phases of the menstrual cycle. Follicular atresia is the breakdown of the ovarian follicles, which are composed of an oocyte enclosed by granulosa cells and external and internal theca cells. This is the reason, that the woman born with more than 4,00,000 eggs contains a limited period between menopause and menarche. It happens repeatedly throughout a female's life, as she is born with millions of follicles but will only ovulate about 400 times in her lifespan.

Hence, the correct answer is Follicular atresia.

Note: Follicular atresia is a normal method in the ovary to control the number of follicles in the emerging pool. In the mammalian ovaries, less than 1% of follicles ovulate, while the remaining 99% endure follicular atresia.