Control of follicular growth and development.

During folliculogenesis a group of growing preantral follicles becomes responsive and dependent upon gonadotrophins, especially FSH, for their continued growth and differentiation. However, most of these follicles undergo atresia. The mechanisms that result in survival of a specific number of ovulatory (dominant) follicles appear to depend upon: (a) responsiveness of preantral follicles to gonadotrophins, (b) inhibitory and stimulatory factors from a dominant follicle, and (c) an exquisitely sensitive long-loop feedback system between the dominant follicle and pituitary gland.