Ovary - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Introduction

The ovary is the female Gonad homologous to the male Testes. It is ususally a paired organ in domestic species but in the bird only the Left Ovary is present. The structures in ovary are undergoing constant changes throughout the oestrus cycle from the Follicles containing Oocytes, to the formation of Corpus Haemorrhagicum, Corpus Luteum, and finally Corpus Albicans.

Structure

• Outer Tunica Albuginea
• Ovarian Cortex -
• Ovarian Medulla - Where all of the lymphatics, Nerves and Vasculature of the Ovary are found. The Medulla is made up of dense connective tissue

Function

It has two main functions:

• Producing the female gametes oocytes via Gametogenesis.
• Producing the reproductive hormones Oestrogens and Progesterone, an Endocrine function.

Processes Taking Place In The Ovary

Oogenesis

Folliculogenesis

Ovulation

Corpus Luteum Formation

Corpus Luteum Regression

Vasculature

• The Ovarian Artery - a direct branch off the Aorta
• The Ovarian Artery is closely associated with the Uterine Vein. This is important for the transfer of luteolytic PGF2α from the Uterus to the Ovary.