The ovaries Flashcards
What is the embryological origin of the ovaries?
develop within mesonephric ridge and descend through the abdomen
Which ligament do the ovaries attach to the posterior surface of?
Broad ligament
What is the mesovarium?
A fold of peritoneum (continuous with outer surface of ovaries) that attaches the ovaries to the posterior surface of the broad ligament. Neurovascular structures enter the hilum of the ovary via the mesovarium.
What are the main functions of the ovaries?
Produce oocytes
Produce oestrogen and progesterone
What are the three components of the ovaries?
surface, cortex and medulla
What type of cells line the surface of the ovaries?
simple cuboidal epithelium, known as germinal epithelium
Which component of the ovaries is comprised of a connective tissue stroma, with thousands of follicles?
Cortex
Describe the medulla
The medulla (inner part) is composed of supporting stroma and contains a rich neurovascular network which enters the hilum of ovary from the mesovarium.
Which ligament is a fold of peritoneum, extending from the mesovarium to the pelvic wall, and contains neurovascular structures?
Suspensory ligament of the ovary
The ligament of the ovary extends from the ovary to the _________
Fundus of the uterus
The ligament of the ovary continues around the uterus as ________
round ligament of the uterus
What is the arterial supply to the ovaries?
paired ovarian arteries, arising from the abdominal aorta, below the renal arteries
What is the venous drainage of the ovaries?
pair of ovarian veins. The left ovarian vein drains into the left renal vein, and the right ovarian vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava.
Lymph from the ovaries drains into the _______
para aortic nodes
Ovaries receive parasympathetic stimulation from which plexus?
uterine/pelvic plexus
