Ovarian structure and follicle development in the lizard mabuya brevicollis

Abstract EN

The morphological structure of the ovary and the follicular development were studied in the lizard, Mabuya brevicollis.

The follicles can be divided into previtellogenic and vitellogenic.

The granulosa layer starts as a capsule of small cells surrounding the smallest oocyte, before the later appearance of both intermediate and large cells.

The former are obloid in contrast to the usual pyriform shape in most squamets.

As they develop they flatten over the oocyte with their long axis parallel to the oocyte surface.

Later as follicular development advances, both the zona pellucida and the thecal layer become thicker and more complicated.

The role and structure of both of the large granulosa cells and the atretic follicle are discussed.