The human ovary (ovarium) is the female gonad, which is a paired, reproductive organ where the ovum develops and matures. Each one of the ovaries is located transversely on the lateral wall of the true pelvis, to the side of the fundus of uterus.
The ovary is attached by the mesentery (peritoneum fold) to the posterior layer of the uterus broad ligament, right below the Fallopian tube. It is surrounded superiorly and laterally by the lateral portion of the uterine (Fallopian) tube, which curves downwards. It is supplied by the ovarian artery, which arises straight from the abdominal aorta.
Anatomical Description
The ovary of a mature female measures between 2.5 and 5 cm in length, and approximately 2 cm in width. Being bluish-white in color, it has a flattened oval shape, with its surface being slightly uneven. It has a medial and a lateral surface. It also features a straight mesovarian border and a convex free border. Both its size and weight varies greatly, depending on the age and the general condition and health of the female body.
Microscopically, the ovary has a heterogenous structure. Although it is an intraperitoneal organ, it is not directly covered by the peritoneum, with its free surface consisting of cuboidal single-layer inactive germinal epithelium, which lies on a connective tissue capsule. Within the capsule, the ovary is composed of a superficial dense cortical substance (the ovary cortex), glandular tissue, and a medullary substance. This medullary substance is rich in blood vessels and loose connective tissue, which forms the stroma of the ovary.
The cortical substance contains the follicles, which are vesicular spherical sacs going through various stages of development. Each follicle is a cavity lined with cells and wrapped in a connective tissue capsule. The ovum develops in the follicle, being the female reproductive cell.
An endocrine gland, called the corpus luteum of menstruation is formed to replace the ruptured follicle, transforming into the corpus albicans, which disappears subsequently.
Drawing of the human female reproductive organs, exhibiting the ovary right below the Fallopian tube (anterior aspect).
