Among the most important production sites of the female reproductive organs are the ovaries (ovaries). They are responsible for the formation of eggs and female sex hormones.
What are ovaries?
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy of the ovary and follicular cycle. Click to enlarge. The ovaries are an internal sex organ of the female body. Each woman has two ovaries. In addition, the ovaries are one of the reproductive organs. Without them, pregnancy would not be possible. Therefore, ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries) is considered by some women as a means of contraception, usually after they have completed their desire to have children. However, this serious procedure can lead to further complications and should be discussed in detail with a specialist (gynecologist). In medicine, they are called ovarium (Latin) or oophoron (ancient Greek). Analogous to the male testicles, they are responsible for the production of eggs and female sex hormones.
Anatomy and structure
The ovaries are covered by single-layered epithelial tissue. It is a smooth-lined tissue, with a transition into the white connective tissue capsule immediately below. The tissue of the ovaries consists of the outer cortex and the inner medulla. The cortex of the ovaries contains the oocytes, which are located in follicles. Follicles are spherical egg follicles in the ovaries that reach different stages of maturation. For a long time, it was assumed that women give birth with a limited number of eggs and that women would become infertile after using up all of them. In 2012, American researchers proved that the stem cells for egg production are located in the ovaries. The medulla of the ovaries is made of connective tissue and contains the lymphatic vessels, nerve fibers and blood vessels of the ovarian plexus. The location of the ovaries is in the lesser pelvis, on the common iliac artery at the level of the bifurcation of the aorta. They can be easily palpated with two fingers, one through the vagina, the other through the abdominal wall. Adjacent organs are the ureter, the appendix (located to the right ovary) and the lumbar plexus nerve. The ovaries are held in place by three ligaments, which are also composed of smooth epithelial tissue. The ovaries are supplied with blood by the ovarian artery. The ovarian artery comes directly from the aorta. The outflow of blood is through the ovarian vein. Fibers of the autonomic nervous system form a nerve plexus and provide the nerve supply.
Functions and tasks
The ovaries produce the eggs and sex hormones. The eggs formed in the ovary (ovary), are expelled monthly during sexual maturity. This is called ovulation. Other functions of the ovaries are the production and secretion of female sex hormones. The hormones progesterone and estrogen are significant for secondary sexual characteristics, such as the female breast and the menstrual cycle. After menopause, eggs are no longer produced.
Diseases
The anatomy of the female reproductive and sexual organs clearly shows the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Like all other organs, the ovaries can also become diseased. The cause of ovarian inflammation (oopheritis) is usually a vaginal infection, whereby germs enter the ovaries and cause inflammation. If the fallopian tube is also affected by inflammation in addition to the ovaries, this is called adnexitis. Severe pain in the lower abdomen and fever indicate such a disease. The ovaries can be affected by various tumors. There is a malignant tumor, ovarian carcinoma (ovarian cancer) and benign tumors, such as struma ovarii and Brenner tumor. Fibromas may occur in the ovaries, usually accompanied by abdominal dropsy (Meigs syndrome). Cystomas are described as glandular tumors in which a cavity filled with secretion is formed. The exact causes of ovarian cancer are still unclear. Hormonal reasons or familial predisposition are suspected. It is claimed that the contraceptive pill and pregnancy can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 60 percent. Symptoms, such as abdominal pain and pain in the bladder and bowel area, are only non-specific. This is why ovarian carcinoma is often detected late.As a rule, surgery is required to remove the ovaries together with the uterus and fallopian tubes. The gonads may be underfunctioning (hypogonadism). Dysfunctions of the ovaries are polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cysts. If the ovaries are impaired in their function, this is called ovarian insufficiency. The ovaries are no longer able to perform their tasks. This leads, for example, to irregular menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding or its absence. Infertility is also possible. The simultaneous presence of testicular tissue in the gonads of the ovaries is called ovotestis. If the anlage is absent during embryo development, it is called agonadism or gonadal dysgenesis. Dermoid cyst is a maldevelopment of the embryo. In this case, a cavity is formed, which is lined with epidermal tissue.
Typical and common diseases
- Ovarian cyst
- Tubal inflammation and ovarian inflammation
- PCO syndrome (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Ectopic pregnancy
