page_title: Theca of follicle
section_title: Androgen synthesis
hierarchical_section_title: Theca of follicle / Androgen synthesis
caption_attribution_description: Illustration from Anatomy &amp; Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013.
context_page_description: The theca folliculi comprise a layer of the ovarian follicles. They appear as the follicles become secondary follicles.
  The theca are divided into two layers, the theca interna and the theca externa.
  Theca cells are a group of endocrine cells in the ovary made up of connective tissue surrounding the follicle. They have many diverse functions, including folliculogenesis.
context_section_description: Theca cells are responsible for synthesizing androgens, providing signal transduction between granulosa cells and oocytes during development by the establishment of a vascular system, providing nutrients, and providing structure and support to the follicle as it matures. 
  Theca cells are responsible for the production of androstenedione, and indirectly the production of 17β estradiol, also called E2, by supplying the neighboring granulosa cells with androstenedione that with the help of the enzyme aromatase can be used as a substrate for this type of estradiol. FSH induces the granulosa cells to make aromatase that converts the androgens made by the theca interna into estradiol.
caption: The anterior pituitary complex and hypophyseal portal system, where FSH and LH are released.
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