Theca interna cells wrap around a growing follicle in the ovary. They team up with the cells inside to make the hormone estrogen.
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Each growing egg cell in the ovary sits inside a bubble of cells called a follicle.
As the follicle grows, a new layer forms around the outside of it. The inner part of that layer is the theca interna. Interna means "inner."
These cells sit close to lots of tiny blood vessels, so they can get what they need from the blood.
Theca interna cells and granulosa cells work as a team:
Estrogen helps the lining of the womb grow thick and ready in case a baby starts to grow.
Neither cell can make much estrogen alone. They need each other!
Press Pass it inward on the 3D model to see the teamwork.