Understand the structure and development of ovarian follicles. Follicles are structures in the ovary that contain and nurture the developing oocyte (egg cell). They progress through several stages: primordial, primary, secondary, and mature (Graafian).
Recall that a secondary follicle is an intermediate stage in follicular development. It is characterized by the presence of multiple layers of granulosa cells and the formation of a fluid-filled cavity called the antrum.
Recognize that the type of oocyte present in a secondary follicle is still a primary oocyte. This is because the oocyte remains arrested in prophase I of meiosis during this stage of follicular development.
Differentiate between the stages of follicular development and the type of oocyte they contain. For example, a mature (Graafian) follicle contains a secondary oocyte, which has completed the first meiotic division and is arrested in metaphase II.
Conclude that secondary follicles contain a primary oocyte, as the oocyte has not yet completed the first meiotic division at this stage.