THE OVUM OF THE NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO. 



Ill 



obstructions such as older follicles or dense masses of stroma 

 cells. The average diameter of the less distorted definitive 

 follicles is about I mm. 



Stage 12 (Fig. 12}. The conditions shown in this figure are 

 readily recognized as those typical of follicles shortly after the 

 onset of follicular atresia. The characteristic symptoms of this 



12 



FIG. ii. A definitive follicle with maturing ovocyte located in the mound-like 

 discus proligerus. The lumen is filled with a clear fluid. A membranous capsule 

 composed of stroma cells surrounds the follicular wall (Xso). 



FIG. 12. A follicle fully mature and entering upon process of follicular atresia. 

 The cells of the discus proligerus and of the wall surrounding the lumen are be- 

 ginning to disintegrate and to wander into the lumen (X5o). 



process are seen in the less deeply stained follicle cells and in the 

 tendency of the latter to wander into the lumen. Such follicles 

 frequently show a slight or marked diminution in size, due 

 probably to a resorption of the follicular fluid. It is in such 

 follicles that one finds the completion of the second maturation 

 division, a process which does not normally take place until 

 after ovulation. 



In referring stages in the development of the ovocyte or 

 nucleus to their appropriate follicular stages it will be convenient 

 to remember that the first twelve figures have numbers corre- 

 sponding to the twelve stages of follicular development; hence 

 it will be necessary to refer only to stage 4, 7 or 10, with the 

 understanding that these stages are illustrated in Figs. 4, 7 and 10. 



