A granulosa cell is a supporting cell for the developing female gamete in the ovary of mammals.

They develop from the coelomic epithelial cells of the gonadal ridge.

Granulosa cells form a single layer around the mammalian oocyte in the primordial ovarian follicle and advance to form a multilayered cumulus oophorus surrounding the ovum in the Graafian follicle.

The major functions of granulosa cells include the production of steroids and LH receptors.

Also FSH stimulates Granulosa cells to convert androgens coming from the thecal cells to estradiol.

See also

• Granulosa cell tumour
• Ovulation

External links

Steroid hormone secreting cells