Topography and External Structure of the Ovary
Anatomically, the ovary is located directly on the lateral wall of the lesser pelvis. Upon visual inspection, this organ is easily identified due to its specific flattened oval shape and characteristic grayish-white hue.
For convenience of description, it is customary in anatomy to distinguish several key landmarks of the ovary. First, the organ has two clearly defined surfaces:
- medial surface (facies medialis), facing the pelvic cavity;
- lateral surface (facies lateralis), adjacent to the pelvic wall.
Second, there are two borders that form the contour of the gland:
- anterior, or mesovarian border (margo mesovaricus), by which the organ attaches to the mesovarium;
- posterior border, which is completely free.
Finally, the ovary has two poles (extremities) indicating its anatomical connections with neighboring structures: the tubal extremity (extremitas tubaria) and the uterine extremity (extremitas uterina).
Capsules and Internal Substance
The surface of the gland is protected by several layers. The outermost layer is represented by the surface epithelium. Immediately beneath it lies the robust tunica albuginea of the ovary (tunica albuginea ovarii), which gives the organ its color and shape.
On cross-section, the internal contents of the organ are clearly divided into two functionally and morphologically distinct zones:
- Cortex (cortex ovarii) — located peripherally and contains follicles at various stages of their development.
- Medulla (medulla ovarii) — occupies the central part of the organ and is characterized by a rich content of blood vessels and nerve fibers that provide trophism and innervation to the gland.
Follicular Apparatus and Corpus Luteum
During the reproductive cycle, follicles located in the cortex undergo a series of sequential developmental stages. A fully matured follicle ready for ovulation is called a mature follicle (folliculus ovaricus vesiculosus).
After ovulation (the release of the oocyte) occurs, a new temporary structure forms at the site of the ruptured follicle — the corpus luteum (corpus luteum). Depending on whether fertilization has occurred, it may develop along one of two pathways:
- become a menstrual corpus luteum;
- transform into a corpus luteum of pregnancy (corpus luteum graviditatis), which persists for a longer duration.
Appendages of the Ovary
In addition to the gonad itself, specific vestigial structures closely related to the ovary anatomically and embryologically can be found within the broad ligament of the uterus. These include:
- epoophoron (epoöphoron);
- paroophoron (paroöphoron).
From the standpoint of embryonic development, these appendages bear no active function in the adult organism, as they represent merely remnants of mesonephric tubules preserved during the formation of the reproductive system.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which vessels supply the ovary with blood and where do they arise?
Blood supply to the ovary is provided by two main arteries that anastomose with each other.
- Ovarian artery (a. ovarica) — branches off the abdominal aorta at the L1 level (less commonly from the renal artery).
- Ovarian branches (rr. ovarici) — branch off from the uterine artery (a. uterina).
Venous drainage occurs via the pampiniform plexus into the ovarian vein (v. ovarica), which empties into the inferior vena cava on the right and into the left renal vein on the left.
Which lymphatic system provides lymphatic drainage from the ovaries?
Lymphatic drainage from the ovaries is carried out by efferent lymphatic vessels accompanying the ovarian artery. Lymph is directed to regional lymph nodes located along the lower abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. There are prominent connections (anastomoses) between the lymphatic plexuses of the pelvic organs.
Which ligaments fix the ovary in the pelvic cavity?
The ovary is fixed in the pelvic cavity by the mesovarium and two ligaments.
- Mesovarium (mesovarium) — anchors the organ to the posterior surface of the broad ligament of the uterus.
- Ovarian ligament (lig. ovarii proprium) — connects the uterine extremity of the ovary to the uterine body.
- Suspensory ligament of the ovary (lig. suspensorium ovarii) — anchors the tubal extremity of the ovary to the peritoneum of the lateral pelvic wall.
What is the innervation of the ovary?
Innervation of the ovary is provided by the ovarian plexus and plexuses situated at the base of the broad ligament of the uterus.
- Ovarian plexus (plexus ovaricus) — is formed by branches of the abdominal aortic and renal plexuses.
Nerve fibers of the ovarian plexus accompany the corresponding vessels to the ovary.
To easily remember the poles (extremities) of the ovary, use the neighbor rule: the upper end points toward the uterine tube (tubal — extremitas tubaria), and the lower end extends toward the uterus itself (uterine — extremitas uterina).
Class and exam questions
Where exactly is the ovary located?
The ovary is localized on the lateral wall of the lesser pelvis.
In which part of the ovary are blood vessels and nerves located?
Blood vessels and nerves are concentrated in large numbers in the central part of the organ — the medulla (medulla ovarii).
What covers the ovary externally?
The organ is covered by surface epithelium, beneath which lies the dense tunica albuginea (tunica albuginea ovarii).
What forms in place of the follicle after ovulation?
After ovulation, a corpus luteum forms at the site of the mature follicle, which can be either a menstrual corpus luteum or a corpus luteum of pregnancy.
What else to study on this topic
- Histological stages of development of ovarian follicles
- Structural differences between the menstrual corpus luteum and the corpus luteum of pregnancy
- Topography of structures within the thickness of the broad ligament of the uterus
- The process of transformation of mesonephric tubules in embryogenesis
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