Graafian follicle are formed from the germinal
epithelium of ovaries. Germinal epithelium is a layer of
epithelial cells on the surface of the ovary that are continuous
with the mesothelium. Graafian follicle is a mature vesicular
follicle of the ovary. Beginning with puberty and continuing
until the menopause, except during pregnancy, a Graafian
follicle develops at approximately one month interval. Each
follicle contains a nearly mature ovum that, upon rupture of
the follicle, is discharged from the ovary. This discharge of
ovum from ovary is termed as ovulation. Within the ruptured
follicle the corpus luteum develops.