Which is the only type of follicle to contain a primary oocyte?

• A. Corpus luteum
• B. Graafian (mature) follicle
• C. Secondary follicle
• D. Primordial follicle

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure and function of ovarian follicles. Follicles are small sacs within the ovaries that contain and nurture oocytes (egg cells) during their development.
2. Learn the stages of follicular development. The stages include primordial follicle, primary follicle, secondary follicle, and Graafian (mature) follicle. Each stage represents a different level of oocyte maturation and follicular growth.
3. Focus on the primordial follicle. This is the earliest stage of follicular development. It contains a primary oocyte that is arrested in prophase I of meiosis. The primary oocyte remains dormant until stimulated by hormonal signals during the menstrual cycle.
4. Differentiate the primordial follicle from other follicle types. The corpus luteum is a structure formed after ovulation and does not contain an oocyte. The Graafian follicle contains a secondary oocyte, and the secondary follicle is a later stage of development where the oocyte begins to mature further.
5. Conclude that the primordial follicle is the only type of follicle to contain a primary oocyte, as it represents the earliest stage of follicular development before the oocyte progresses through meiosis.