The Ovaries

Question 1

What does the bulk of the ovaries consist of?

Answer 1

Primordial follicles -consist of a large round primary oocyte surrounded by a layer of follicular cells

Question 2

Where do the gonads develop?

Answer 2

In the mesonephric ridge

Question 3

What is each ovary suspended by?

Answer 3

A mesentery called the mesovarium - a subdivision of the larger mesentery of the uterus called the broad ligament

Question 4

What happens to the follicles?

Answer 4

Around 400 will develop fully and shed their ova periodically until menopause

Question 5

What are the two populations of follicles in each ovary?

Answer 5

Reserve pool of non-growing follicles Smaller pool of growing follicles derived periodically from the reserve group

Question 6

Functions of the ovaries?

Answer 6

Produce oocytes in preparation for fertilisation Produce sex steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone in response to pituitary gonadotrophins

Question 7

What type of glands are the ovaries?

Answer 7

Endocrine

Question 8

What type of glands are the ovaries?

Answer 8

Endocrine

Question 9

What is the epithelium on the surface of the ovaries?

Answer 9

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Question 10

What is in the cortex of the ovaries?

Answer 10

Connective tissue stroma which supports thousands of follicles

Question 11

What is in the medulla of the ovaries?

Answer 11

Supporting stroma Contains a rich neurovascular network which enters the hilum of the ovary from the mesovarium

Question 12

What are ovarian cysts and what do they commonly develop from? When do they develop normally?

Answer 12

Fluid-filled masses that may develop Derived from ovarian follicles, reaching 2-2.5cm Usually benign During child-bearing years

Question 13

What can ovarian cysts cause and how are they managed?

Answer 13

Bleeding or pain Surgical removal

Question 14

What is polycystic ovaries characterised by?

Answer 14

Hormone dysfunction Get ten or more ovarian cysts

Question 15

What is polycystic ovaries associated with?

Answer 15

Infertility

Question 16

What do ovarian tumours arise from?

Answer 16

Epithelial component of germ cells (90%) - ovarian adenocarcinomas Germ cell tumours - teratomas - usually benign

Question 17

What are the ligaments attaching the ovaries and where do they go from and to? Contain anything?

Answer 17

Suspensory ligament of the ovary

Question 18

What are the ligaments attaching the ovaries and where do they go from and to? Contain anything?

Answer 18

Suspensory ligament of the ovary - fold of peritoneum extending from the mesovarium to the pelvic wall. Contains neurovascular structures Ligament of the ovary - from ovary to fundus of the uterus. Contains CT of the labium majus as the round ligament of the uterus

Question 19

What are the ligaments attaching the ovaries and where do they go from and to? Contain anything?

Answer 19

Suspensory ligament of the ovary - fold of peritoneum extending from the mesovarium to the pelvic wall. Contains neurovascular structures Ligament of the ovary - from ovary to fundus of the uterus. Contains CT of the labium majus as the round ligament of the uterus

Question 20

Arterial supply to the ovaries?

Answer 20

Paired ovarian arteries, branches of the abdominal aorta (L2)

Question 21

Venous drainage?

Answer 21

Ovarian veins Left ovarian vein drains into left renal vein Right ovarian vein drains into the IVC

Question 22

Innervation of the ovaries?

Answer 22

Nerves run via suspensory ligament and enter at the hilum Sympathetic from ovarian plexus Parasympathetic from uterine (pelvic) plexus

Question 23

Lymphatic drainage of ovaries? Clinical relevance?

Answer 23

Para-aortic lymph nodes Metastases of ovarian cancer go here