QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is the tubular structure extending from the uterus towards the ovary bilaterally.
10014251
d
Fallopian tube
QuestionChoice
In this prosection, the uterus lies below the arrowhead, in a more central location within the pelvis in comparison to the ovary.
10014249
b
Uterus
QuestionChoice
The rectum is not clearly visible on this prosection but would lie posterior to the uterus.
10014252
e
Rectum
QuestionChoice
The arrow points towards the right ovary in this prosection. The ovaries are small oval-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus often closely related to the pelvic sidewall.
10014248
a
Ovary
QuestionChoice
In this prosection the bladder can be found as a projection below the uterus. The bladder lies anterior to the uterus.
10014250
c
Bladder
Concept
Chapter
## Summary

The ovaries are paired gonadal organs found within the pelvis. They are responsible for maturation and release of ova as well as important hormonal functions.

## Anatomy

The ovaries lie **against the wall of the pelvis**. They are prune shaped, with their upper pole associated with the fimbrae of the uterine tubes. The **lower pole** of the ovary is connected to the uterus via a **fibromuscular cord** which runs to the body of the uterus, known as the **ligament of the ovary**.

This ligament of the ovary **continues** onwards from the **body of the uterus**, back through the broad ligament towards the inguinal canal and then through the canal into the labia majora. The continuation fo the ligament of the ovary is known as the **round ligament of the uterus.**

The **ligaments** are remnants of the **gubernaculum** that drew the gonads into the pelvis in embryonic life. The ovary is covered by a layer of **cuboidal epithelial cells** which are **continuous with the peritoneum**. The **ova** within the ovary **mature and rupture** to cross the peritoneal cavity to enter the uterine tube.

The **suspensory ligament of the ovary** carries the the ovarian artery and vein. The **ovarian artery** originates from the **abdominal aorta** and branches through the **mesovarium** to reach the ovary and through the mesometrium of the broad ligament to **anastomose with the uterine artery.**

## Blood supply

The main blood supply is via the ovarian arteries (direct branches from the abdominal aorta). There is additional blood supply from the uterine arteries.

Venous drainage is via the ovarian vein and the pelvic venous plexus.

## Lymphatic drainiage

The lymph nodes of the pelvis create a complex network.

The **common iliac lymph nodes** drain the external, internal and sacral lymph nodes. The **lumbar lymph nodes** then superiorly drain the **common iliac nodes**. It is good to know the **drainage of important female reproductive organs.**

* **ovaries** - aortic nodes - draining to lumbar lymph nodes
* **uterine tubes** - aortic nodes - draining to lumbar lymph nodes
* **uterus & cervix** - iliac, sacral, aortic and inguinal lymph nodes
* **vagina** - superiorly to external iliac nodes, middle to internal iliac nodes and inferiorly to superficial inguinal nodes

They are **clinically** relevant in the metastasis of **cancer**, and may be removed for diagnostic or curative purposes.

## Clinical points
- The ovaries can be highly mobile within the pelvis. Occasionally they can rotate round their vascular pedicles leading to compromise of their arterial blood supply. This is called ovarian torsion and is a surgical emergency.
- Ovarian cancer that spreads to the lymph nodes will first spread to the para-aortic nodes mirroring their venous drainage.
3010
4993
Ovaries
Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
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Picture
1981
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Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
Name the annotated structure.

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a