404 THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 



licle (Clark *), and possibly the contraction of the smooth muscle 

 contained in the stroma of the deeper part of the cortex and adja- 

 cent portions of the medulla. In any event, as a result of the 

 independent or combined action of these, or other unknown forces, 



FIG. 327. A MATURE GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE OF THE DOG'S OVARY. 



Two smaller follicles are partially included in the figure. Hemateiu and eosin. 



Photo, x 110. 



the follicle ruptures in the direction of least resistance, viz., at the 

 attenuated stigma, and the liquor folliculi gushes forth, carrying 

 with it the detached ovum invested with its discus proligerus. 

 The ovum" is now free to enter the oviduct and prepare itself for 

 fertilization and the development of the future embryo. 



The following table is offered for the benefit of the student as 

 a resume of the several structural layers of the mature Graafian 

 follicle. The structures are enumerated in order from without 

 inward : 



* Contributions to the Sc. of Med., 1900. 



