OVARY

1. Location: The ovary is located on the posterior aspect of the broad ligament of the uterus.

2. Structure: The ovary is an oval-shaped, fibrous organ.

3. Functions:

   • Secreting estrogen and progesterone hormones
   • Producing ova (eggs) through ovulation
   • Supporting the growth and development of the embryo

4. Blood Supply:

   • Artery: Ovarian artery (branch of abdominal aorta)
   • Vein: Ovarian vein (draining into inferior vena cava)

5. Nerve Supply: Nerve fibres from the ovarian plexus (sympathetic and parasympathetic)

6. Lymph Drainage: Lymphatic vessels from the ovary drain into the lumbar lymph nodes.

7. Ovarian Cycle:

   • Step 1 → Follicular growth (development of follicles containing ova)
   • Step 2 → Ovulation (release of mature ovum from the follicle)
   • Step 3 → Luteal phase (formation of corpus luteum from the ruptured follicle)

   Follicular growth → Ovulation → Luteal phase

8. Ovulation Process:

   • Step 1 → Increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion

   • Step 2 → Growth and maturation of follicle

   • Step 3 → Ovulation (release of mature ovum from the follicle)

     FSH secretion → Follicle growth and maturation → Ovulation

9. Corpus Luteum Regression:

   • Step 1 → Decreased progesterone secretion
   • Step 2 → Formation of corpus albicans (fibrous connective tissue)
   • Step 3 → Regression of corpus luteum

Decreased progesterone secretion → Corpus albicans formation → Regression of corpus luteum

Describe the morphology of ovary

The ovary is a female reproductive organ that produces ova (eggs) and hormones. It is a paired organ located in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus. The ovary is divided into three main regions:

• The outer layer, called the tunica albuginea, which is a fibrous connective tissue.
• The middle layer, called the cortex, which is the outer part of the ovary where the follicles develop and release ova.
• The inner layer, called the medulla, which is the innermost part of the ovary and is made up of a loose connective tissue.

Describe the relations of ovary

The ovary is situated in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus. It is attached to the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity by the infundibulopelvic ligament and to the broad ligament by the mesovarium. The ovary is also related to the following structures:

• Uterus: The ovary is situated close to the uterus.
• Ovarian fossa: The ovary is located in a shallow depression in the pelvic bone called the ovarian fossa.
• Round ligament of the uterus: The round ligament of the uterus passes close to the ovary.
• Ureter: The ureter passes close to the ovary.

Name the ligaments of ovary

The ovary is attached to the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity by the following ligaments:

• Infundibulopelvic ligament
• Mesovarium
• Ovarian ligament
• Suspensory ligament of the ovary

Mention the blood supply of ovary

The ovary receives its blood supply from the following arteries:

• Ovarian artery: The ovarian artery arises from the abdominal aorta and supplies the ovary.
• Ovarian veins: The ovarian veins drain the ovary and empty into the inferior vena cava.

Describe the applied anatomy of ovary

The applied anatomy of the ovary is important in various medical procedures, such as:

• Ovarian surgery: The ovary is accessed through the abdominal cavity or through a laparoscope.
• Ovarian transplantation: The ovary is transplanted from one individual to another.
• Ovarian stimulation: The ovary is stimulated to produce multiple ova, which are then retrieved for in vitro fertilization.