Ovary

Question 1

Ovary

Answer 1

• Ovary is a female gonad, responsible for producing the female gamete, the oocyte
• Like testes, ovaries are paired & cells undergo cyclical changes
• Ovary size/conformation varies widely across species, but structures on the ovary are the same
• Ovaries are firm fibrous organs that can be felt during rectal palpation to track the female reproductive cycle

Question 2

Ovarian structure

Answer 2

Ovary covered in outer connective tissue (tunica albuginea)
The vary has 2 distinct regions:
- The cortex (external), containing growing oocytes
- The medulla (central), containing vasculature, erves & lymphatics
*= opposite in mare
The hilum is the connection between the broad ligament (mesovarium) and ovary