CHANGES IN THE OVARY 



155 



states that the contents of the follicle are gradually absorbed 

 through the agency of ingrowing parenchyma cells and leuco- 

 cytes. The cavity is eventually filled in by the ingrowth of 

 normal ovarian tissue. 



The following characteristics serve to distinguish the de- 

 generate or atretic follicle (sometimes called the corpus luteum 

 atreticum) from the true corpus luteum : (1) There is no indi- 

 cation of any rupture to the exterior. (2) The ovum, being 

 retained in the follicle, loses its regularly circular shape, becomes 



FIG. 38. Section through follicle in early stage of degeneration. (From 

 Sellheim.) The ovum and follicular epithelium are in process of 

 atrophy. 



shrivelled, and gradually disappears altogether. (3) The follicular 

 epithelium, instead of hypertrophying, degenerates, the chromatic 

 substance at one stage often appearing in the form of fine points 

 in the cytoplasm, and much smaller than nuclei. Subsequently 

 the remains of the cells become unrecognisable, finally disappear- 

 ing altogether. (4) The connective-tissue wall does not prolife- 

 rate to form a network among the epithelial cells, and there is 

 generally no ingrowth from the thecse until the epithelial cells 

 are in an advanced state of degeneration or have altogether dis- 

 appeared. The earliest indication of atretic change is usually 



