Like many other organs in the body, the ovaries consist of two major layers of tissue—the cortex and the medulla. (T/F)
What are the three layers of the ovary?
Your ovary has three layers. The outer layer is similar to a capsule found on medicine. The middle layer is the ovarian cortex. It's made up of connective tissue and contains the ovarian follicles. The innermost layer (medulla) contains blood and lymphatic vessels.
What type of tissue is the ovarian cortex made of?
Ovaries have three layers. The outer layer consists of cuboidal epithelium, a type of tissue that lines most organs of the body. Under that is the tunica albuginea, a layer of connective tissue made of collagen. The innermost layer is the cortex and contains the ovarian follicles.
What is the innermost layer of the ovum made of?
The outer layer consists of cuboidal epithelium, a type of tissue that lines most organs of the body. Under that is the tunica albuginea, a layer of connective tissue made of collagen. The innermost layer is the cortex and contains the ovarian follicles.
What type of epithelium covers the ovaries?
The ovaries are covered on the outside by a layer of simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal (ovarian) epithelium. This is actually the visceral peritoneum that envelops the ovaries.
What are the two layers of the ovary?
Cortex and Medulla Histologically, the ovary has 2 main sections: the outer cortex and inner medulla. A germinal layer coats the entire ovary, made of cuboidal epithelial cells. The cortex is where the follicles and oocytes are found at various stages of development and degeneration.
What is the inner layer of the ovary?
The innermost layer is the ovarian medulla. It can be hard to distinguish between the cortex and medulla, but follicles are usually not found in the medulla. Follicular cells are flat epithelial cells that originate from surface epithelium covering the ovary.
What are the two layers surrounding the oocyte called?
The oocyte that is released by ovulation is protected by a thick outer layer of granulosa cells known as the corona radiata and by the zona pellucida, a thick glycoprotein membrane that lies just outside the oocyte's plasma membrane.
What type of tissue is in the female reproductive system?
The vagina is lined by a stratified squamous epithelium that features a small degree of keratinization. Below the epithelium is a thick layer of dense connective tissue, like that in the dermis of the skin. A layer of loose connective tissue containing many blood vessels and nerves follows this.
How many layers does the uterus have?
3 layersThe thick wall of the uterus has 3 layers: The endometrium is the inner layer that lines the uterus. It is made up of glandular cells that make secretions. The myometrium is the middle and thickest layer of the uterus wall.
Are the ovaries an epithelial tissue?
THE OVARIAN surface epithelium (OSE), also referred to in the literature as ovarian mesothelium (OM) (1, 2) or normal ovarian epithelium (NOE) (3), is the modified pelvic mesothelium that covers the ovary. It is composed of a single layer of flat-to-cuboidal epithelial cells with few distinguishing features (1, 4, 5).
What is the outer layer of the ovary called?
The ovaries are covered on the outside by a layer of simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal (ovarian) epithelium. This is actually the visceral peritoneum that envelops the ovaries. Underneath this layer is a dense connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea.
What is the outer layer of the uterus?
The uterus has a muscular outer layer called the myometrium and an inner lining called the endometrium.
What is the difference between oocyte and follicle?
A follicle contains an oocyte. An oocyte is an immature egg cell. The oocyte will eventually break free from the follicle and travel down the fallopian tube – at which point it's called an egg (or ovum, if you're that way inclined). Once the egg gets fertilised by the sperm, it's a zygote.
What are the major tissues of the reproductive system?
The main reproductive tissues in women are the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Hormones produced by the brain, the pituitary gland, and the ovaries primarily control these tissues. These hormones also control: Menstrual cycles.
What cells make up the ovaries?
The ovary consists of three types of cellular elements, each with a different origin: first, the germ cells that arise from primitive ectodermal cells of the inner cell mass in the first few days of gestation and become oocytes; second, epithelial cells that arise from the supporting cells of the coelomic epithelium ...
Which type of epithelial tissue covers the ovarian follicles?
The ovaries are small almond shaped structures, covered by a thick connective tissue capsule - the tunica albuginea. This is covered by a simple squamous mesothelium called the germinal epithelium.
What are the three layers of ovary?
This is actually the visceral peritoneum that envelops the ovaries. Underneath this layer is a dense connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea. The substance of the ovaries is distinctly divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla.
What is the outer layer of the ovary called quizlet?
The 2o oocyte is surrounded by a gel-like layer called the zona pellucida and the cumulus oophorus layer - now known as the corona radiata. The surface of the egg is sticky and usually sticks to the surface of the ovary. The fimbriae brush the surface of the ovary and sweep the egg into the oviduct.
What is tunica albuginea in ovary?
The tunica albuginea is a layer of condensed fibrous tissue on the surface of the ovary.
What is the ovarian stroma?
The ovarian stroma includes more general components such as immune cells, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels, as well as ovary-specific components including ovarian surface epithelium, tunica albuginea, intraovarian rete ovarii, hilar cells, stem cells, and a majority of incompletely characterized stromal ...
What is the fold of the peritoneum that connects the ovaries to the uterus?
The ovaries are paired, oval organs attached to the posterior surface of the broad ligament of the uterus by the mesovarium (a fold of peritoneum, continuous with the outer surface of the ovaries).
What are the functions of the ovaries?
The main functions of the ovaries are: To produce oocytes (female gametes) in preparation for fertilisation. To produce the sex steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone, in response to pituitary gonadotrophins (LH and FSH). Components of the Ovary.
What is polycystic ovarian cyst?
Polycystic ovaries are characterized by hormone dysfunction and multiple (over 10) ovarian cysts. It is associated with infertility.
What is a cyst in the ovary?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled masses that may develop in the ovary. They are most commonly derived from ovarian follicles, reaching approximately 2-2.5 cm. Most ovarian cysts are benign and develop during a woman’s child-bearing years, however, some larger cysts may cause problems such as bleeding and pain and require surgical removal.
Where do the ovaries get their innervation?
The ovaries receive sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation from the ovarian and uterine (pelvic) plexuses, respectively. The nerves reach the ovaries via the suspensory ligament of the ovary , to enter the ovary at the hilum. Fig 5 – Posterior view of the arterial supply to the female reproductive tract.
Which organ is formed by loose connective tissue and a rich neurovascular network, which enters via the hilum?
Medulla – formed by loose connective tissue and a rich neurovascular network, which enters via the hilum of the ovary.
Where do neurovascular structures enter the hilum of the ovary?
Neurovascular structures enter the hilum of the ovary via the mesovarium.
How many layers are there in the ovaries?
Layers. Ovaries have three layers. The outer layer consists of cuboidal epithelium, a type of tissue that lines most organs of the body. Under that is the tunica albuginea, a layer of connective tissue made of collagen. The innermost layer is the cortex and contains the ovarian follicles. Inside is a central zone of blood vessels ...
Where are the ovaries located?
Location. The ovaries sit on either side of the uterus, along the peritoneum, in a shallow indentation called the ovarian fossa. They lie between the internal and external iliac vessels, the main blood supply for the abdominal organs and legs. The ovaries are they are somewhat mobile, so their location may change slightly depending on a variety ...
What are the functions of the ovaries?
They have two functions; the first is to produce sex hormones that dictate the physical characteristics of females and trigger ovulation and the menstrual cycle. The second is to produce eggs or ova, which travel through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus during ovulation.
How many follicles are there in the ovulation cycle?
Ovarian follicles are made of a spherical collection of cells, each containing a single egg or oocyte. In each menstrual cycle, roughly 10 follicles begin to mature, with one becoming dominant. To ovulate, a follicle passes through multiple stages of maturation in a process called folliculogenesis before releasing an egg into the fallopian tube.
Why are ovaries important?
When the ovaries are not working properly, women may have a very difficult time becoming pregnant and are likely to experience infertility. Ovarian failure leads to menopause, which reduces the benefit of estrogen and causes weakened bones. Problems with ovarian function can also lead to anemia, increased risk of heart disease, and pain.
Which ligament runs along the ovarian vein?
The former branches off of the abdominal aorta and runs along the suspensory ligament into the broad ligament of the uterus. It can also attach to the uterine artery itself. The ovarian vein travels along the suspensory ligament.
What is the most common method of assessing the ovaries for deformities?
Ovaries with abnormalities like cysts may be easier to feel. Generally, an ultrasound is the most common method of assessing the ovaries for deformities or other conditions. webphotographeer / Getty Images. Advertisement.
What is the structure of the ovary?
Each is suspended by a mesentery, or fold of membrane, from the back layer of the broad ligament of the uterus. In a woman who has not been pregnant, the almond-shaped ovary lies in a vertical position against a depression, ...
How many ovarian follicles are there in a female?
At birth and in childhood they are present as numerous primary or undeveloped ovarian follicles. Each contains a primitive ovum, or oocyte, and each is covered by a single layer of flattened cells. As many as 700,000 primary follicles are contained in the two ovaries of a young female. Most of these degenerate before or after puberty.
What happens to the ovum when the ovarian follicle matures?
This occurs at about the time when the follicle develops its cavity ; the oocyte also gains a translucent acellular covering, or envelope, the zona pellucida. The secondary oocyte is liberated at ovulation; it is 120–140 micrometres in diameter and is surrounded by the zona pellucida and a few layers of cells known as the corona radiata. The final maturation of the oocyte, with the formation of the rudimentary ovum called the second polar body, occurs at the time of fertilization.
What is the function of the mesentery of the ovary?
The mesentery of the ovary helps to keep it in position, and within this membrane lie the ovarian artery and vein, lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibres. The fallopian tube arches over the ovary and curves downward on its inner or medial surface.
What hormones are produced by the blastocyst during pregnancy?
Should fertilization occur and be followed by implantation of the blastocyst, hormones (particularly human chorionic gonadotropin) are produced by cells of the blastocyst to prolong the life of the corpus luteum. It persists in an active state for at least the first two months of pregnancy, until the placental tissue has taken over its hormone-producing function. The corpus luteum of pregnancy then also retrogresses, becoming a fibrous scar by the time of parturition.
Where do ovarian arteries come from?
The ovarian arteries arise from the front of the aorta in a manner similar to the testicular arteries, but at the brim of the lesser pelvis they turn down into the pelvic cavity. Passing in the suspensory ligament of the ovary, each artery reaches the broad ligament below the fallopian tube and then passes into the mesovarium to divide into branches distributed to the ovary. One branch continues in the broad ligament to anastomose with the uterine artery. The ovarian veins emerge from each ovary as a network that eventually becomes a single vein; the terminations are similar to those of the testicular veins. The nerves are derived from the ovarian nerve network on the ovarian artery.
What hormones are produced by the endometrium?
The gland produces the steroid hormone progesterone and some estrogens. Its activity is both stimulated and maintained by luteinizing hormone. Progesterone stimulates glandular proliferation and secretion in an endometrium primed by estrogens.
What are the ovaries?
The ovaries are a bilateral pair of flattened, egg-shaped, intraperitoneal discs that reside just within the true pelvis. They are longer than they are wide and altogether smaller than their male homologue, the testes. The organs have superior and inferior poles, as well as anterior, posterior, medial and lateral surfaces.
How many follicles do ovaries have?
Ovary (histological slide) Neonatal females possess approximately one million primordial follicles. About 96% of these follicles degenerate by the time the individual reaches puberty. The normal ovaries of peripubescent females will have several primordial follicles developing during a menstrual cycle.
What is gametogenesis in females?
Gametogenesis in human females is a hormonally regulated process carried out in the ovaries. These reproductive organs (analogous to the testis in males) are uniquely designed to execute its modus operandi – from the production of viable gametes to the expulsion of such for fertilization. The embryology, gross anatomy, neurovascular supply and some clinically significant points relating to the ovaries will be outlined in this article.
Which artery gives tubal branches to the fallopian tube?
It then enters the suspensory ligament of the ovary to access the organ at its superior pole. Along its course across the ovary, the ovarian artery gives several tubal branches to the fallopian tube before anastomosing with the ovarian branch of the uterine artery (branch of internal iliac artery).
What is a benign cyst?
Benign cystic lesions are the most frequently encountered pathologies of the ovaries. They can either originate from ruptured or whole Graafian follicles (cystic follicles) or as luteal cysts (normal cyst lined by luteinized granulosa cells that subsequently rupture). Cysts may be singular or multiple in occurrence, and they may also be functional (unlike neoplastic ovarian growths).
When do ovaries become distinct?
The female gonads (ovaries) are derivatives of the paramesonephric gonadal ridge. They become distinct ovaries between the 6th and 7th gestational weeks, when epiblastic primordial germ cells begin their invasion of the genital ridges.
Which pole is covered by the fimbriae?
The ovaries are situated in an inferomedial manner when the subject is in the anatomical position. The superior (tubal) pole is covered by the fimbriae (finger-like projections) of the fallopian (uterine) tube.
When are oocytes formed?
All primordial follicles (oocytes) are formed in the human fetus between the sixth and the ninth month of gestation (Fig. 4). As a result, all oocytes capable of participating in reproduction during a woman's life are present in the ovaries at birth.
Which subtype of granulosa cells is located in the antral follicle?
This spatial organization gives rise to distinct subtypes of granulosa cells: the membrana, the periantral area, and the cumulus oophorus (Fig. 14). All the granulosa cells express FSH receptors during antral follicle development; however, each group of granulosa cells is influenced by its position to express a specific differentiated state in response to FSH stimulation. For example, the membrana granulosa cells express P450AROM and LH receptor whereas the periantral and cumulus cells do not (66).
How many cycles does a preantral follicle take?
Altogether, the development of a primordial to a full-grown secondary follicle requires about 290 days or about 10 regular menstrual cycles .
How does follicular development occur?
Folliculogenesis begins with the recruitment of a primordial follicle into the pool of growing follicles and ends with either ovulation or death by atresia. In women, folliculogenesis is a very long process, requiring almost one year for a primordial follicle to grow and develop to the ovulatory stage. Folliculogenesis can be divided into two phases. The first phase, termed the preantral or gonadotropin-independent phase, is characterized by the growth and differentiation of the oocyte. The second, termed the antral or gonadotropin-dependent phase, is characterized by the tremendous increase of the size of the follicle itself (up to approximately 25-30 mm). The preantral phase is controlled mainly by locally produced growth factors through autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. The second phase is regulated by FSH and LH as well as by growth factors. There is great interest in the growth factors because they can stimulate cell proliferation and modulate gonadotropin action. The challenge now facing the field is to determine how ovary growth factor pathways negatively or positively regulate folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteogenesis.
What is the role of the dominant follicle in the reproductive process?
The dominant follicle is responsible for the production of estradiol during the follicular phase of the cycle . After ovulation, the dominant follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes large amounts of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The estradiol and progesterone act on the uterus to prepare it for implantation of the human embryo. Therefore, to understand the menstrual cycle and female fertility, it is necessary to understand the life cycle of the dominant follicle and how it is controlled. Here, the structure/function relationships that underlie folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteogenesis will be discussed. Attention will be focused on the human.
What hormones are secreted during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
After ovulation, the dominant follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes large amounts of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The estradiol and progesterone act on the uterus to prepare it for implantation of the human embryo.
Why are primordial follicles considered reproductive units?
Primordial follicles are considered the fundamental reproductive units of the ovary because they give rise to all dominant follicles, and therefore to all menstrual cycles. The entry of an arrested primordial follicle into the pool of growing follicles is termed recruitment or primordial follicle activation.
What is the inner lining of the uterus called?
The inner lining of the uterus is termed the myometrium.
What are the two main parts of the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle actually consists of two cycles that are interconnected: the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle.
Where does fertilization occur in the oviduct?
Fertilization of an egg usually occurs in the upper third of an oviduct.
How are eggs moved through the oviduct?
Eggs are moved through the oviduct by rhythmic muscle movements.
