HISTOGENESIS OF THE HUMAN OVARY / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The ovaries of 26 human fetuses from 10 to 38 weeks of age were fixed in Carnoy's solution and stained with HE, PAS and Unna's method for RNA. Development of human ovaries at embryologic period was divided into 3 stages1.Oogonia stage From 10 to 15 weeks groups of dividing oogonia were observed. Their cytoplasma contained glycogen.2.Primary oocytes stage At 15 to 20 weeks, the primary oocytes in various appearance of meiotic prophase were presented. The oocytes contained RNA granules. During this stage there was extensive degeneration of both oogonia and oocyte. 3.Primordial follicle stage Between 15 and 17 weeks, the primordial follicles began to appear at cortico-medullary junction. After 20 weeks numerous primordial follicles filled the cortical region. A few primary and secondary follicles were developed from 26 weeks onward, as a result of stimulation of the fetal ovaries by maternal gonadotropins. The interstitial gland cells in the fetal ovaries were scattered cells at the corticomedullary junction from 12 weeks onward.