The stroma also contains ordinary connective tissue such as reticular fibers and collagen.

Ovarian stroma differs from typical connective tissue in that it contains a high number of cells.

Stromal cells associated with maturing follicles may acquire endocrine function and secrete estrogens.

[1] On the surface of the organ this tissue is much condensed, and forms a layer (tunica albuginea) composed of short connective-tissue fibers, with fusiform cells between them.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1256 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)