The ovary (Ovarium) is located laterally in the pelvic region and is oriented vertically. It has an inner surface facing the pelvic interior (Facies medialis/intestinalis) and an outer surface directed towards the lateral pelvic wall (Facies lateralis). The rounded free edge is called the Margo liber, and at the anterior edge, the Margo mesovaricus, the mesovarium is attached, which is a structure of the broad ligament of the uterus (Lig. latum uteri).
There are two poles:
- Extremitas uterina
- Extremitas tubaria
The hilum ovarii, where vessels and nerves enter, is located at the attachment of the connective tissue of the ovary, known as the mesovarium, at the Margo mesovaricus.
The ovary is connected at the Extremitas tubaria to the pelvic wall by the suspensory ligament of the ovary. The ovarian vessels (Vasa ovarica), lymphatic vessels, and nerves run along this suspensory ligament.
The proper ovarian ligament lies between the ovary (Extremitas uterina). This is located directly behind the tubal angle. The artery R. ovaricus of the uterine artery runs here.
The ovary is supplied by:
- A. ovarica
- Ramus ovaricus from the uterine artery.
These arteries form anastomoses at the Margo mesovaricus and supply the ovary with blood.
Veins transport venous blood via the right ovarian vein to the inferior vena cava and via the left ovarian vein to the left renal vein. Part of the blood flows through the uterine plexus to the internal iliac vein.
The ovary is located in the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal) in the ovarian fossa. Here, in the retroperitoneum, run the obturator nerve, obturator vessels, and the external iliac vessels. Medially, the umbilical artery and the uterine artery also run.
