Structure and Function of the Ovaries

Overview:

The ovaries are the organs in a females

reproductive system that produces eggs, or
ova necessary for reproduction. They are
about 1.5 inches (3.5 centimeters) long. The
ovaries are deep in a females pelvis, on both
sides of the uterus, close to the ends of the
Fallopian tubes. At birth, a female has
approximately 1-2 million eggs, but only 300
of these eggs ever mature and are released
for the purpose of fertilization. Ovaries are
also responsible for the production of the
hormones estrogen and progesterone.
These are vital to normal reproductive
development and fertility.

Structure:

1. The surface layer of the

ovary is formed by
simple cuboidal
epithelium.

2. Cortex: The cortex

(outer part) of the
ovary is largely
comprised of
a connective tissue
stroma. It supports
thousands of follicles.
Each primordial follicle
contains an oocyte
surrounded by a single
layer of follicular cells.
3. Medulla: The medulla (inner part) is composed of supporting stroma
and contains a rich neurovascular network which enters the hilum of
ovary from the mesovarium.
Primordial Follicle: These follicles consist of
oocytes surrounded by a single layer of
squamous follicular cells.
Primary Follicle: The primary follicle stage is
reached when the follicular cells proliferate into
a stratified epithelium known as the zona
granulosa.
Secondary Follicle: The characteristic feature
that distinguishes secondary from primary
follicles is the appearance of a follicular antrum
within the granulosa layer. At this stage, a layer
of cells outside the follicle become evident.
Graafian Follicle: The Graafian follicle is the
stage after the first meiotic division has
completed but before ovulation. The follicle is
characterized by a large follicular antrum that
makes up most of the follicle.

Oocyte: An oocyte is a
female gametocyte or germ cell involved
in reproduction. The formation of an oocyte is
called oocytogenesis, which is a part of oogenesis. Oogenesis results in the
formation of both primary oocytes during fetal period, and
of secondary oocytes after it as part of ovulation.

Diseases and Disorders of the Ovaries:

 Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian cancer is a serious
disease whose symptoms
dont become apparent until
the cancer has progressed
into the later stages.
Symptoms include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal
uterine bleeding, and pain
during intercourse. In
majority, the presence of
these symptoms does not
indicate cancer.
Ovarian Cysts: These
are fluid filled sacs that affect
women of all ages, though
mostly women of child
bearing age. Cysts are
common and they can vary in size from a pea to a grapefruit. The majority of
cysts are harmless, though larger cysts may need to be surgically removed.
Larger cysts can disrupt the blood supply to the ovaries.