In BOTANY, a follicle
is a type of simple dry fruit
produced by certain flowering
plants. It is regarded as one the most primitive types of fruits, and derives
from a simple pistil or carpel
(see flower). At maturity,
the follicledehisces (splits open) along
the ventral (seed-bearing) suture and the seeds are released, usually by mechanical
motion of the stem. Examples of follicles are found in milkweed, magnolia,
peonies, and larkspur.
In ANATOMY, a follicle can mean a small cavity or sac. Examples include hair follicles and ovarian follicles.
