Figure 1.

Different types of somatic and germ cells in the germarium of Drosophila. The ovary of Drosophila consists of 16–20 ovarioles, and the anterior region of each ovariole is known as germarium. Germarium houses different types of somatic cells (terminal filaments, cap cells, and escort cells). These somatic cells are vital for the maintenance of germ cells (germline stem cells, cystoblasts). In addition, GSCs are anchored with the cap cells which help them to retain their stem cell character. Further, the GSCs are directly connected with the escort cells which are also necessary for their proper maintenance.