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Thecal vascularity in ovarian follicles of different size and rank in the lizard Anolis carolinensis
Author(s) -
Gerrard Althea M.,
Jones Richard E.,
Roth Jan J.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1051410209
Subject(s) - anolis , biology , follicular phase , lizard , follicular atresia , theca interna , sexual dimorphism , ovary , ovarian follicle , vascularity , endocrinology , medicine , anatomy , zoology , pathology
Ovarian follicular histology of the lizard Anolis carolinensis was studied in relation to follicular size and rank. The structure of the Anolis follicular granulosa is similar to that described in other reptiles. Changes in the granulosa during follicular hypertrophy are also similar to those described in other species. Follicles of low rank in the linear size‐gradation exhibited atresia. Counts were made of erythrocytes per millimeter of thecal tissue in crosssections of follicles of different size and rank. Follicles greater than 2.6 mm in diameter exhibited a marked increase in the number of thecal erythrocytes. Also, follicles of a similar diameter tended to possess a greater number of thecal erythrocytes the highter the rank in the linerar size‐gradation. These observations support the hypothesis that follicular selection involves appropriation of blood and blood‐borne hormones by larger follicles.