Multiple choice

A young woman undergoing laparoscopy is noted to have a cyst on her ovary. The cyst is described as a “blister” on the surface of the ovary. Which of the following options shows the correct answer?

  1. Corpus luteum

  2. Cancer

  3. An ectopic pregnancy

  4. Impending ovulation

  5. Corpus allatum

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

During initial follicular growth, the oocyte grows larger, granulosa cells increase in number and a zona pellucida or protein matrix, forms around the oocyte. The fluid filling the follicler continues to accumulate and the cellular surface of the follicle thins in preparation for ovulation. This process can be seen grossly and has been described as a blister on the ovarian surface.