Diagram of Ovary

The diagram of ovary of a human shows the anatomical structure responsible for producing and releasing eggs. An ovary is a small and oval-shaped reproductive organ of females. It produces ova and hormones that regulate fertility, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle. Ovaries are located in the lower left and right quadrants of the abdomen. The diagram of ovary class 12 is an important topic of the biology syllabus.

The labeled diagram of ovary is given below:

Diagram of Ovary

What is Ovary?

Definition: An ovary is a oval-shaped female gland that produces eggs and important hormones. The ovaries contain granulosa and theca cells. These cells secrete the important hormones.

The diagram of overy shows the structure to be 3.5 centimeters long present either side of the pelvis. During the time of ovulation, one of the ovaries releases an egg. Estrogen and progesterone hormones play a vital role in the development of girls and enable women to conceive and give birth. The ovary is an important part of the female reproductive system. It creates female reproductive cells known as eggs (non-moving). When a mobile sperm fertilizes the egg, it becomes a zygote.

Structure of Ovary

The labelled diagram of ovary shows its detailed structure. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus in a spot called the ovarian fossa. One side is linked to the fallopian tube by the infundibulopelvic ligament, and the other side connects to the uterus by ovarian ligaments. Each ovary is attached to the uterus by the mesovarium and ovarian ligament.

Each ovary is divided into two major parts –

• Medulla
• Cortex

Medulla

The ovarian medulla is also known as the zona vasculosa of Waldeyer. It is the innermost layer of the ovary and made of loose connective tissues. These tissues contain the blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. It is located in the center of the ovary or in particular deep to the ovarian cortex. The medulla forms the tissue of the hilum. Hilum is the attachment point for the ovarian ligament, through which blood vessels enter. The medulla does not contain any ovarian follicles.

Cortex

The ovarian cortex is the outer layer of the ovary. It made up of the connective tissues. It contains ovarian follicles. The ovarian cortex is the peripheral zone around the medulla of the ovary and the ovarian cortex contains the follicles. It includes the cumulus oophorus, membrana granulosa,primary oocyte, corona radiata and zona pellucida.

Ovarian Follicles

Within the cortex, the outer layer comprises germinal epithelium originating from the germinal ridges. This epithelium gives rise to primordial eggs, which migrate to the inner cortex. Surrounded by granulosa cells, the primordial egg cells form primordial follicles, which develop into tertiary vesicular follicles containing an antrum. The mature follicle, known as the Graafian follicle, releases the ovum upon rupture.

During fetal development, the ovary initially contains approximately 6 million primordial follicles, but by birth, only around 1 million remain, with the rest degenerating over time. During each menstrual cycle, only one egg is released from each ovary, while the others undergo degeneration. After ovulation, the remnants of ovarian follicles form the corpus luteum, which eventually regresses to become corpus albicans.

Conclusion – Diagram of Ovary

An ovary is a oval-shaped female gland that produces eggs and important hormones. The ovaries contain granulosa and theca cells. These cells secrete the important hormones. The labled diagram of ovary shows the detailed structure of ovary that helps in understanding its anatomy. The ovary structure consists of two major parts – the medulla and the cortex.

FAQs – Diagram of Ovary

What is the Function of Ovary?

The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of your uterus. They produce and store your eggs (also called ovum) and make hormones that control your menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

What are the Ovaries Class 12?

The ovaries are two female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

What is TS of the Ovary Class 12?

The TS of the ovary refers to the transverse section of the ovary, which provides a cross-sectional view of its internal structure, including the cortex, medulla, and various ovarian follicles at different stages of development.

Where can I Find the Labeled Diagram of Ovary?

You can find the diagram at the top of this article

How many ovaries are in the human body?

There are two ovaries, one on either side of the uterus. Ovaries make eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Can Ovary be Removed?

Yes. An oophorectomy is an operation to remove one of or both your ovaries. An ovarian cyst is the most common reason for having an oophorectomy.

What is the Ovarian Cycle?

The ovarian cycle refers to the growth and maturation of an oocyte in preparation for fertilization and reproduction. The ovarian cycle repeats every 28 days as long as a female is not pregnant.

What Causes Ovulation?

The hypothalamus secretes GnRH, which triggers FSH and LH release from the anterior pituitary. These act on the granulosa and theca cells in the ovary to stimulate follicle maturation and trigger ovulation.