Fig. 159.—Ovary (natural size), with the Fallopian tube in relative position (Sutton).
The ovarian ligament extends from the inner end of the ovary to the angle of the uterus immediately below the origin of the Fallopian tube. This ligament varies in length from 3 to 5 centimeters. It is shortest in the virgin, and longest in the multiparous woman. The ligament consists of a fold of peritoneum containing unstriped muscular fiber from the uterus.
The infundibulo-pelvic ligament is that part of the upper margin of the broad ligament lying between the distal end of the Fallopian tube and the pelvic wall. It is about 2 centimeters in length. The length is greatest in the multiparous woman.
The position of the ovary is maintained by its attachments and by its own specific gravity. The considerations that have been discussed in regard to the position of the uterus also apply here.
The blood-vessels are the utero-ovarian arteries and the ovarian arteries and veins. The ovarian artery is homologous to the spermatic artery in the male. The course of the ovarian veins has an important influence upon some pathological conditions of the ovaries.
Fig. 160.—View of the posterior surface of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and broad ligaments. The infundibulo-pelvic ligament is shown on the left (Dickinson).
The right ovarian vein enters the inferior vena cava at an acute angle, and at the junction of the two there is a very perfect valve.
The left ovarian vein enters the left renal vein at a right angle: there is no valve on this side. This anatomical difference affords a probable explanation of the greater tendency to congestion and prolapse of the left ovary.
The ovary is composed of connective tissue which surrounds the Graafian follicles, blood-vessels, lymphatics, nerves, and unstriped muscular fibers. The posterior portion, or the free portion of the ovary, is covered with the germinal epithelium, or modified peritoneum, which is continuous with the peritoneum of the broad ligament.