The Normal Ovary of Childhood

Summary The growth of the ovary from the time of birth until the menarche is largely dependent upon an increase of its stroma, the reticular fibers of which undergo drastic changes in their orientation during this period of time. Simultaneously with the growth of the ovarian stroma there is a tremendous decrease in the number of oocytes; much of this latter change probably occurs during the first year of life. The development of graafian follicles in infancy and childhood is comparable to that seen in adults. This process is reviewed, as are the morphologic changes occurring with involution of the follicle. A few of the morphologic variants which may be encountered in the ovaries of infants and children are briefly reviewed.