Question

During puberty, how many primary follicles are typically present in the ovaries of a female?

• A. 2 million.
• B. 1 million.
• C. Thousands.
• D. None.

Hint:

Females are born with 1 to 2 million primary follicles, but only about 300,000 to 400,000 remain by puberty. Of these, only about 400 follicles ovulate during a female's reproductive lifetime.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Overview of primary follicles. 
Primary follicles are immature ovarian follicles containing an oocyte. Females are born with around 1 to 2 million primordial follicles in their ovaries. However, the number decreases significantly as the individual ages. 

Step 2: Number of follicles during puberty. 
By the time a female reaches puberty, the number of primary follicles reduces drastically to approximately 300,000 to 400,000. This reduction occurs due to a natural process called follicular atresia, where most follicles degenerate over time. 

Step 3: Analysis of options. 
Option (A): Incorrect. While 2 million follicles are present at birth, this number decreases before puberty. 

Option (B): Incorrect. Although close, 1 million follicles is an estimate for early childhood, not puberty. 

Option (C): Correct. Thousands (approximately 300,000–400,000) of primary follicles are present in the ovaries during puberty. 

Option (D): Incorrect. Primary follicles are present during puberty; it is not true that none are present. 

Step 4: Conclusion. 
During puberty, the number of primary follicles in the ovaries is reduced to thousands due to natural follicular atresia. \[ \therefore \text{The correct answer is: Thousands.} \]