The germinal epithelium is part of the surface epithelium of the ovaries. It has a similar structure to the epithelium of the uterus and performs approximately the same functions: protecting the ovary from damage and regulating the processes occurring in the eggs. The epithelium includes cells that go through all stages of egg development.
The epithelium of the germ has the same structure as the epithelium of the ovary, but is much thinner and lies under the outer membrane. In women of normal build, the length of the surface layer of the epithelium is about 2 mm. Surface thickness is approximately 0.1 mm.