What is a cumulus oophorus cyst?

Cumulus oophorus refers to an appearance in the ovary in which multiple granulosa cells enlarge around a developing oocyte. These support cells (“cumulus cells”) serve multiple functions in the maturation of the oocyte.

Which follicle has cumulus oophorus?

ovarian follicle
The cumulus oophorus, (discus proligerus), is a cluster of cells that surround the oocyte both in the ovarian follicle and after ovulation. In the antral follicle, it may be regarded as an extension of the membrana granulosa. The innermost layer of these cells is the corona radiata.

When does the cumulus oophorus form?

The cumulus oophorus is unique to the egg of eutherian mammals (Bedford and Kim 1993). It consists of a mass of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte. The cumulus oophorus expands after ovulation due to the deposition of a proteoglycan matrix.

How does the sperm penetrate the cumulus oophorus?

The ovulated ovum is surrounded by the cumulus oophorus, which is a sphere of loosely packed follicle cells (Figure 9.4). Enzymatic dissolution of hyaluronic acid allows the swimming sperm to penetrate the spaces between cells of the cumulus oophorus and to reach the zona pellucida.

What is the difference between cumulus oophorus and corona radiata?

The corona radiata is the innermost layer of the cells of the cumulus oophorus and is directly adjacent to the zona pellucida, the inner protective glycoprotein layer of the ovum. Cumulus oophorus are the cells surrounding corona radiata, and are the cells between corona radiata and follicular antrum.

What is the function of cumulus cells?

Cumulus cells are a group of closely associated granulosa cells that surround and nourish oocytes. Previous studies have shown that cumulus cells contribute to oocyte maturation and fertilization through gap junction communication.

What is a follicle ovary?

A small, fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains one immature egg. When an egg matures during a woman’s menstrual cycle, the follicle breaks open and releases the egg from the ovary for possible fertilization (the process by which an egg combines with sperm to form an embryo).

What causes cumulus expansion?

The EGF-like factors and PGE2 synergistically stimulate cumulus cells to produce hyaluronan (via Has2) and hyaluronan-stabilizing factors such as Tnfaip6 and Ptx3 (10). As the cumulus cells secrete and make the matrix, they detach from one another and move away from the oocyte by a process called expansion (11).

Is hyaluronic acid present in sperm?

Hyaluronic acid is an anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout the connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. The enzyme hyaluronidase present in semen degrades the gel (hyaluronic acid) around the ovum which allows effective penetration of sperm into the ovum and fertilisation occurs.

What is corona radiata?

The corona radiata is a bundle of nerve fibers located in the brain. Specifically, the nerves of the corona radiata carry information between the brain cells of the cerebral cortex and the brain cells in the brain stem.

What enzyme breaks corona radiata?

hyaluronidase
Dispersal of cells in the outer egg envelope (corona radiata) is caused by the action of an enzyme (hyaluronidase) that breaks down a substance (hyaluronic acid) binding corona radiata cells together.

What do cumulus cells secrete?

Progesterone from the cumulus cells is the sperm chemoattractant secreted by the rabbit oocyte cumulus complex. PLoS One.