Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which part of a human ovary contains developing follicles?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Detailed cross-sectional illustration of a human ovary showing the stages of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, with labeled structures including primordial, primary, secondary, and mature follicles, a ruptured follicle releasing an ovum, and corpus luteum and albicans. An inset at the bottom shows the ovary's location in the female reproductive system. — ovary The steps of ovulation, beginning with a dormant primordial follicle that grows and matures and is eventually released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

In the human ovary, developing follicles are located within the outer layer known as the cortex.1

At the beginning of each menstrual cycle, these follicles enlarge and migrate from the cortex toward the outer surface of the ovary to undergo maturation. While the ovary also contains an inner medulla—which houses blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissue—the follicles and oocytes are specifically contained within the cortex.21