Ovarian Granulosa Cells (OGC)

Granulosa cells are a type of cell in your ovaries that produce hormones including estrogen and progesterone. Hormones released from the base of your brain (anterior pituitary) control the numbers and function of granulosa cells.

Granulosa cells or follicular cells are somatic cells of the sex cord that is closely associated with the developing female gamete (called an oocyte or egg) in the ovary of mammals.

In the primordial ovarian follicle, and later in follicle development (folliculogenesis), granulosa cells advance to form a multilayered cumulus oophorus surrounding the oocyte in the preovulatory or antral (or Graafian) follicle. The major functions of granulosa cells include the production of sex steroids, as well as myriad growth factors thought to interact with the oocyte during its development.