31.14 : Ovaries

The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.

On the ovarian surface, a layer of cuboidal cells forms a protective epithelium just above a denser layer of connective tissue known as the tunica albuginea. Delving deeper, one encounters the cortex—the outer layer of the ovaries that houses the stroma, an intricate lattice of tissue that constitutes most of the ovarian interior. Within the stroma's peripheral region, oocytes undergo development. Each is nestled within a supportive complex called a follicle. The ovarian cortex is not only the site of follicle formation but also the place where the maturation process occurs. Beneath this is the medulla; which contains the extensive network of blood and lymphatic vessels as well as nerve fibers.