Definition of Term

postovulatory follicles (POF)

(English) Evacuated follicles that remain in the ovary when the hydrated oocytes are released into the lumen. In northern anchovy, each hydrated oocyte is surrounded by a thinly stretched follicle of an inner, epithelial layer of granulosa cells and a single, outer connective tissue layer of theca cells with some blood capillaries. At ovulation, the fully hydrated oocytes are released from their encompassing follicles. The follicle does not fragment and pass out of the ovary with the hydrated oocyte but retains its integrity. These are called postovulatory follicles and are used as indicators of previous spawning.

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