nurse cell

physiology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

A nurse cell is a cell found in the ovary of many animals that provides nourishment to a developing egg cell. It is often considered a rudimentary egg cell itself. These cells play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of the oocyte (immature egg) within the ovarian follicle.12

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

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

insect
Reproductive system
…undifferentiated cells that form oocytes, nurse cells, and follicular cells. The nurse cells provide nourishment for the oocytes during the early stages of their growth; follicular cells, which invest the enlarging oocyte as a continuous epithelium, provide the materials for yolk formation and, in the final stages, lay down the…
Read More
…undifferentiated cells that form oocytes, nurse cells, and follicular cells. The nurse cells provide nourishment for the oocytes during the early stages of their growth; follicular cells, which invest the enlarging oocyte as a continuous epithelium, provide the materials for yolk formation and, in the final stages, lay down the…
Read More