Follicle Health Dictionary

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Follicle: From 4 Different Sources

A small cavity in the body.

For example, a hair follicle is a pit on the skin surface from which hair grows.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Follicle is the term applied to a very small sac or gland: for example, small collections of adenoid tissue in the throat, and the small digestive glands on the mucous membrane of the intestine.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. 1. (in anatomy) a small secretory cavity, sac, or gland, such as any of the cavities in the *ovary in which the ova are formed. See also Graafian follicle; hair follicle. 2. (in ophthalmology) any of the smooth translucent elevations of the conjunctiva produced by an immune response. They are usually associated with viral inflammation. —follicular adj.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Follicle-stimulating Hormone

A hormone produced by the anterior PITUITARY GLAND which stimulates the formation of follicles in the ovary each menstrual cycle (see OVARIES; MENSTRUATION) and of spermatocytes in the testis (see TESTICLE). It is under hypothalamic control (see HYPOTHALAMUS) and in the female there is feedback inhibition by oestrogens from the developing follicle.... follicle-stimulating hormone

Graafian Follicle

a mature follicle in the ovary prior to ovulation, containing a large fluid-filled cavity that distends the surface of the ovary. The *oocyte develops inside the follicle, attached to one side. [R. de Graaf (1641–73), Dutch physician and anatomist]... graafian follicle

Hair Follicle

a sheath of epidermal cells and connective tissue that surrounds the root of a *hair.... hair follicle

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