The ovaries are the paired female gonads, almond-shaped organs about 3 cm long lying on the side walls of the pelvis. They hold the egg-containing follicles and release usually one egg each month during the reproductive years. They also produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which drive the menstrual cycle and female sexual development.
| Location | On the lateral pelvic wall in the ovarian fossa, attached to the back of the broad ligament by the mesovarium |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Nerve Supply | Ovarian plexus (sympathetic T10-T11); Visceral afferents with sympathetic fibres |
| Blood Supply | Ovarian artery (from the abdominal aorta); Ovarian branch of the uterine artery |
| Venous drainage |
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| Lymphatic drainage |
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Produces and releases eggs and secretes oestrogen, progesterone and inhibin to control the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
Ovarian cysts are very common and usually harmless, but a cyst can twist the ovary (torsion) or rupture, causing sudden pelvic pain. Ovarian cancer often has vague early symptoms such as bloating, so it is frequently found late. Because the ovary sits beside the obturator nerve, its disease can refer pain to the inner thigh. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of irregular periods and reduced fertility.
Twisting of the ovary on its supporting ligaments, cutting off blood flow and causing sudden severe pelvic pain; a surgical emergency.
A hormonal disorder with irregular ovulation, raised androgens and many small follicles on ultrasound.
Usually an epithelial cancer presenting late with bloating, abdominal swelling and early satiety.
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