Follicle population dynamics — the number of follicles present at a particular stage is governed primarily by which processes?

Introduction / Context:
Ovarian follicle dynamics underpin reproductive capacity in mammals. The follicle pool size and its distribution across stages result from a balance of recruitment, growth, and atresia. Understanding these processes is essential for ART and endocrinology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Dormant follicles can be recruited into growth.
• Growing follicles progress through primary, secondary, and antral stages.
• Atresia removes follicles at all stages.

Concept / Approach:

At any snapshot, follicle counts reflect inflow (recruitment), throughput (growth rate), and outflow (atresia). Hormonal milieu (FSH, LH, AMH) modulates these rates. Therefore, all listed processes collectively determine observed numbers.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Mathematical models of folliculogenesis treat it as a compartmental system with recruitment, transition, and loss parameters; empirical data confirm hormonal control across these steps.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Any single factor alone cannot fully account for the observed distribution; physiology integrates all three.

Common Pitfalls:

Overemphasizing FSH-driven growth while ignoring primordial recruitment and atresia; equating antral counts with ovarian reserve without context.

Final Answer:

All of the above