Ovary

Question 1

Where are the ovaries located?

Answer 1

In the ovarian fossa (pelvic sidewall), bounded by: - Ureter (posterior) - External iliac vessels (anterior) - Uterine artery (medial).

Question 2

What is the ovarian fossa?

Answer 2

A depression on the pelvic sidewall where the ovary sits, near the obturator nerve (pain referral in ovarian pathology).

Question 3

External features of the ovary

Answer 3

• Almond-shaped (3-5 cm) - Two surfaces (medial/lateral) - Two borders (anterior/posterior) - Two poles (tubal/uterine).

Question 4

Relations of the ovary

Answer 4

• Anterior: Mesovarium - Posterior: Ureter, internal iliac vessels - Superior: Fallopian tube - Inferior: Pelvic floor.

Question 5

Tubal extremity of the ovary

Answer 5

• Attached to suspensory ligament (carries ovarian vessels) - Connects to fimbriae of fallopian tube.

Question 6

Uterine extremity of the ovary

Answer 6

• Attached to ovarian ligament (remnant of gubernaculum) - Anchors ovary to uterus.

Question 7

Medial surface of the ovary

Answer 7

• Faces uterus - Covered by mesovarium (part of broad ligament).

Question 8

Lateral surface of the ovary

Answer 8

• Contacts pelvic sidewall - Adjacent to obturator internus muscle.

Question 9

Anterior border of the ovary

Answer 9

• Attached to mesovarium - Entry point for ovarian vessels/nerves.

Question 10

Posterior border of the ovary

Answer 10

• Free and convex - Related to ureter and internal iliac vessels.

Question 11

Arterial supply of the ovary

Answer 11

• Ovarian artery (from abdominal aorta) - Anastomoses with uterine artery.

Question 12

Venous drainage of the ovary

Answer 12

• Right ovarian vein → IVC - Left ovarian vein → Left renal vein (higher thrombosis risk).