Anatomy of the Ovary

Which part of the ovary is responsible for the entrance of the artery and nerves?

What is the shape of the ovary?

Which part of the ovary faces up to the abdominal opening of the uterine tube?

What covers the surface of the ovary?

Where is the ovary located within the peritoneal cavity?

What is the function of the ovaries?

Which membrane is found under the germinal epithelium of the ovary?

What is the primary function of the ovarian medulla?

What is the primary role of the primary ovarian follicles?

What is the function of the cumulus oophorus?

What is the primary role of the theca interna?

What is considered as the largest cell in the body?

What is formed from follicular cells to surround the egg cell?

What does the nucleolus of the egg cell contain?

What do primary ovarian follicles convert into as they mature?

What surrounds the mature vesicle follicles of the ovary?

Ovary Anatomy and Structure

The hilum of the ovary is where the entrance of arteries and nerves occurs.
The ovary is typically almond-shaped.
The pole of the ovary that faces the abdominal opening of the uterine tube is known as the infundibulum.
The surface of the ovary is covered by a layer of cells called the germinal epithelium.

Location and Function

Ovaries are located within the peritoneal cavity, specifically in the lateral pelvic walls.
The primary function of the ovaries is to produce ova (egg cells) and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian Structure Details

Under the germinal epithelium, the tunica albuginea, a membrane, is found.
The ovarian medulla contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue; its primary function is to support the ovarian follicles.

Follicle Structure and Roles

Primary ovarian follicles are responsible for the early development of oocytes, each consisting of an immature egg cell surrounded by granulosa cells.
The cumulus oophorus serves to support the oocyte within the follicle and facilitates its nourishment.
The theca interna produces and secretes hormones, primarily androgens, which are essential for ovary function.

Egg Cell Characteristics

The oocyte (egg cell) is considered the largest cell in the body.
Follicular cells form a protective layer around the egg cell as it develops into the antral follicle stage.
The nucleolus of the egg cell contains RNA essential for protein synthesis during oocyte maturation.
Primary ovarian follicles mature into secondary and then vesicular (Graafian) follicles over time.
The mature vesicular follicles are surrounded by theca externa and granulosa cell layers.

Learn about the structure, location, and function of the ovary as a paired mixed gland within the female reproductive system. Understand the development of female genital cells and the formation of sex hormones in the ovaries.