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Ovaries:
- paired organs
- located near lateral walls of the pelvis
- 5 cm long, 2.5 cm wide and 8 mm thick
- ovarian ligaments anchors the ovary to the uterus
- suspensory ligaments anchor the ovary to the pelvic wall
- broad ligament - fold of peritoneum that tents over the internal reproductive structures
- tunica albuginea layer of dense connective tissue surrounding each ovary
- ovulation rupture of a Graafian follicle ejecting the egg from the ovary
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blood supply to the ovaries:
- ovarian arteries
- ovarian branch of the uterine arteries
- ovarian veins
- blood vessels travel through the suspensory ligaments
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cortex of the ovaries:
- home of the gamete
- contains the ovarian follicles:
- primordial follicle: one layer of follicular cells surrounding the egg
- primary follicle: two or more layers of granulosa cells surrounding the egg
- secondary follicle: presence of antrum
- Graafian or tertiary follicle: mature follicle
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corpus luteum:
- ruptured follicle after ovulation
- produces progesterone (pro gestation) and to a lesser
- extent estrogen
- if fertilization does not occur the corpus luteum degenerates
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medulla of cortex:
- inner region of the ovary
- contains blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics
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Female Duct System:
- uterine tubes (also called the fallopian tubes or oviducts):
- 10-13 cm long
- wall of the tube consists of three layers - infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus
- epithelium is ciliated and non-ciliated simple columnar
- muscularis is composed of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers
- serosa
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infundibulum:
- funnel-shaped distal end that opens into the peritoneal cavity
- fimbriae
- functions to capture the egg after it is ovulated
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ampulla:
- longest and widest portion of the tube
- fertilization normally occurs within this region of the uterine tube
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isthmus:
- proximal portion
- passes through uterine wall\
- opens into the lumen of the uterus
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clinical concerns with the uterine tubes:
- ectopic pregnancy
- tubal pregnancy
- spread of infection
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