THE NORMAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE OVARY IN CHILDHOOD

Abstract

The development of the ovary during childhood was evaluated in 52 organs obtained from autopsy of children who died in accidents or after a brief acute disease. The ovaries at all ages showed follicle growth; 93% of the organs were actively growing ovaries containing healthy and degenerating follicles in progressive stages of development with and without follicle fluid. Three ovaries showed follicle growth up to pre-antral stages. None of the 52 ovaries were quiescent with no follicle development. The normal ovary in childhood apparently shows follicle growth at all ages. The number and size of antral follicles increases after the age of 6 yr coinciding with the progressive increase in FSH [follicle stimulating hormone] and estrogen output in childhood.