theca cells
Follicle hormone makers
Theca cells are specialized cells in the ovary that surround developing egg follicles.
They produce androgens—hormones that neighboring cells convert to estrogen.
The theca forms a supportive outer layer around the follicle, supplying blood vessels and hormones essential for egg maturation.
Theca cell tumors can cause hormonal imbalances.
- ovaryFemale reproductive gland
- follicleSkin cavity growing strands
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
- androgenMale sex hormone
- steroid hormonesLipid messengers from cholesterol
LH · testosterone · aromatase · stromal · hormone · follicular · interstitial · ovulation · cholesterol · progesterone · endocrine · gonadotropin · menstrual · menstrual cycle · fertility · secretion · proliferation · maturation
- reproductionreproduction, birth, baby, egg, sperm
- reproductive tissueovary, testis, uterus, endometrium, placenta
- secretory cellsbasophils
- endocrine glandsadrenal gland, adrenal glands, adrenals, adrenal, parathyroid glands
- steroid hormonestestosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, aldosterone