What are the stratified follicular cells surrounding an oocyte called?

• A. Granulosa cells
• B. Theca cells
• C. Cumulus cells
• D. Sertoli cells

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of an ovarian follicle: The ovarian follicle is a structure in the ovary that contains the oocyte (egg cell) surrounded by layers of cells. These cells play critical roles in supporting the development and maturation of the oocyte.
2. Learn the function of granulosa cells: Granulosa cells are stratified follicular cells that surround the oocyte within the follicle. They provide nutrients, produce hormones like estrogen, and facilitate communication with the oocyte through gap junctions.
3. Differentiate granulosa cells from theca cells: Theca cells are located outside the granulosa cell layer and are involved in hormone production, particularly androgens, which granulosa cells convert into estrogen.
4. Understand the role of cumulus cells: Cumulus cells are a specialized subset of granulosa cells that form the cumulus oophorus, a structure surrounding the oocyte during ovulation. They assist in oocyte maturation and transport during ovulation.
5. Exclude unrelated cell types: Sertoli cells are found in the testes and are involved in supporting spermatogenesis, not oocyte development. Therefore, they are not relevant to this question.