Ovary

The function of the ovary is to develop female germinal cells, ovocytes (also termed oocytes), and to produce hormones necessary for reproduction. The ovaries are paired organs that lie on either side of the uterus close to the lateral pelvic wall, behind the broad ligament and anterior to the rectum.

The surface epithelium (modified mesothelium) of the ovary forms a simple, focally pseudostratified layer. The cells vary from flat to cuboidal to columnar, and several types may be seen in different areas of the same ovary. The cells are separated from the underlying stroma by a basement membrane. The spindle-shaped stromal cells, which have scanty cytoplasm, are typically arranged in whorls or a storiform pattern.

The primordial follicles are comprised of a primary oocyte, surrounded by a single layer of mitotically inactive squamous follicular cells, resting on thin basal lamina. In the reproductive period, primordial follicles are scattered irregularly in clusters throughout a narrow band in the superficial cortex. During each menstrual cycle, cohorts of primordial follicles undergo maturation into primary follicles with cuboidal squamous epithelium.

During luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, after the ovulation (release of secondary oocyte from the follicle) corpus luteum is formed from the ovarian follicle. Corpus luteum is a temporal endocrine tissue which moderates levels of inhibin A and estradiol and is involved in the production of progesterone.