Editing Ovary

{{short description|Female reproductive organ that produces egg cells}}
{{use American English|date=December 2024}}
{{About|the reproductive organ|the plant part|Ovary (botany)|other uses}}
{{redirect|Ovaria|text=In botany, this is a proposed [[section (botany)|section]] and a [[synonym (taxonomy)|synonym]] of ''[[Solanum]]''}}
{{Infobox anatomy
| Name        = Ovary
| Latin       = ovarium
| Image       = Ovary.png
| Caption     = Diagram of a human ovary
| Width       = 
| Image2      = Gray589.png
| Caption2    = Blood supply of the [[Human female reproductive system|human female reproductive organs]]. The left ovary is the oval shaped structure visible above the label "ovarian artery".
| Precursor   = 
| System      = [[Reproductive system]]
| Artery      = [[Ovarian artery]], [[uterine artery]]
| Vein        = [[Ovarian vein]]
| Nerve       = [[Ovarian plexus]]
| Lymph       = [[Paraaortic lymph node]]
}}
The '''ovary''' ({{ety|la|ōvārium|egg}}) is a [[gonad]] in the female [[reproductive system]] that produces [[ova]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mercksource.com:80/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands_split.jsp?pg=/ppdocs/us/common/dorlands/dorland/six/000076849.htm|title=Dorlands Medical Dictionary|website=www.mercksource.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-20}}</ref> when released, an ovum travels through the [[fallopian tube]]/[[oviduct]] into the [[uterus]]. There is an ovary on the left and the right side of the body. The ovaries are [[endocrine gland]]s, secreting various [[hormone]]s that play a role in the [[Menstruation (mammal)|menstrual cycle]] and [[Fecundity|fertility]]. The ovary progresses through many stages beginning in the [[prenatal development|prenatal period]] through [[menopause]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last1=Colvin|first1=Caroline Wingo|last2=Abdullatif|first2=Hussein|date=2013-01-01|title=Anatomy of female puberty: The clinical relevance of developmental changes in the reproductive system|journal=Clinical Anatomy|language=en|volume=26|issue=1|pages=115–129|doi=10.1002/ca.22164|pmid=22996962|s2cid=46057971|issn=1098-2353}}</ref>

==Structure==
Each ovary is whitish in color and located alongside the lateral wall of the [[uterus]] in a region called the [[ovarian fossa]]. The ovarian fossa is the region that is bounded by the [[external iliac artery]] and in front of the [[ureter]] and the [[internal iliac artery]]. This area is about 4&nbsp;cm x 3&nbsp;cm x 2&nbsp;cm in size.<ref name=":0">Daftary, Shirish; Chakravarti, Sudip (2011). Manual of Obstetrics, 3rd Edition. Elsevier. pp. 1-16. {{ISBN|9788131225561}}.</ref><ref name=":1" />

The ovaries are surrounded by a capsule, and have an outer cortex and an inner medulla.<ref name=":1" /> The capsule is of dense connective tissue and is known as the [[tunica albuginea (ovaries)|tunica albuginea]].<ref name="Seer">{{cite web |url=https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/reproductive/female/ovaries.html|title=Ovaries|access-date=12 December 2019}}</ref>

Usually, ovulation occurs in one of the two ovaries releasing an egg each [[menstrual cycle]].

The side of the ovary closest to the [[fallopian tube]] is connected to it by [[infundibulopelvic ligament]],<ref name=":0" /> and the other side points downwards attached to the uterus via the [[ovarian ligament]].

Other structures and tissues of the ovaries include the [[hilum (anatomy)|hilum]].

===Ligaments===
The ovaries lie within the peritoneal cavity, on either side of the uterus, to which they are attached via a fibrous cord called the [[ovarian ligament]]. The ovaries are uncovered in the [[peritoneal cavity]] but are tethered to the body wall via the [[suspensory ligament of the ovary]], which is a posterior extension of the broad ligament of the uterus. The part of the [[broad ligament of the uterus]] that covers the ovary is known as the [[mesovarium]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Williams gynecology|date=2012|publisher=McGraw-Hill Medical|others=Hoffman, Barbara L., Williams, J. Whitridge (John Whitridge), 1866-1931.|isbn=9780071716727|edition=2nd|location=New York|oclc=779244257}}</ref>

The ovarian pedicle is made up part of the [[fallopian tube]], [[mesovarium]], ovarian ligament, and ovarian blood vessels.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Baskett |first1=Thomas F. |last2=Calder |first2=Andrew A. |last3=Arulkumaran |first3=Sabaratnam |title=Munro Kerr's Operative Obstetrics E-Book |date=2014 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=9780702052484 |page=268 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OiHQAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA268 |language=en}}</ref>

===Microanatomy===
The surface of the ovaries is covered with a membrane consisting of [[Epithelium|a lining of]] [[Simple cuboidal epithelium|simple cuboidal]]-to-columnar shaped [[mesothelium]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.siumed.edu/~dking2/erg/ovary.htm|title=Southern Illinois University School of Medicine|website=www.siumed.edu|access-date=2017-11-20}}</ref> called the [[germinal epithelium (female)|germinal epithelium]].

[[File:Ovarian cortex in a rhesus monkey.jpg|thumb|[[Micrograph]] of the ovarian cortex from a rhesus monkey showing several round follicles embedded in a matrix of stromal cells. A secondary follicle sectioned through the nucleus of an oocyte is at the upper left, and earlier stage follicles are at the lower right. The tissue was stained with the dyes [[hematoxylin]] and [[eosin]].]]The outer layer is the [[ovarian cortex]], consisting of [[ovarian follicles]] and [[stroma of ovary|stroma]] in between them. Included in the follicles are the [[cumulus oophorus]], [[membrana granulosa]] (and the [[granulosa cells]] inside it), [[corona radiata (embryology)|corona radiata]], [[zona pellucida]], and [[primary oocyte]]. [[Theca of follicle]], [[Follicular antrum|antrum]] and [[liquor folliculi]] are also contained in the follicle. Also in the cortex is the [[corpus luteum]] derived from the follicles. The innermost layer is the [[ovarian medulla]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://xiphoid.biostr.washington.edu/fma/fmabrowser-hierarchy.html?fmaid=7209|title=Foundational Model of Anatomy|website=xiphoid.biostr.washington.edu|publisher=Structural Informatics Group at the University of Washington.|access-date=2017-11-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530124804/http://xiphoid.biostr.washington.edu/fma/fmabrowser-hierarchy.html?fmaid=7209|archive-date=2016-05-30|url-status=dead}}</ref> It can be hard to distinguish between the cortex and medulla, but follicles are usually not found in the medulla.

[[Ovarian follicle|Follicular cells]] are flat epithelial cells that originate from surface epithelium covering the ovary. They are surrounded by [[granulosa cell]]s that have changed from flat to cuboidal and proliferated to produce a stratified epithelium.

The ovary also contains [[blood vessel]]s and [[lymphatics]].<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Brown | first1 = H. M. | last2 = Russell | first2 = D. L. | doi = 10.1093/humupd/dmt049 | title = Blood and lymphatic vasculature in the ovary: Development, function and disease | journal = Human Reproduction Update | volume = 20 | issue = 1 | pages = 29–39 | year = 2013 | pmid =  24097804| doi-access = free }}</ref>

==Function==

At [[puberty]], the ovary begins to secrete increasing levels of hormones. Secondary sex characteristics begin to develop in response to the hormones. The ovary changes structure and function beginning at puberty.<ref name=":4" /> Since the ovaries are able to regulate hormones, they also play an important role in pregnancy and [[fertility]]. When egg cells (oocytes) are released from the fallopian tube, a variety of feedback mechanisms stimulate the endocrine system, which cause hormone levels to change.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Richards|first1=JoAnne S.|last2=Pangas|first2=Stephanie A.|date=2010-04-01|title=The ovary: basic biology and clinical implications|journal=The Journal of Clinical Investigation|volume=120|issue=4|pages=963–972|doi=10.1172/JCI41350|issn=0021-9738|pmc=2846061|pmid=20364094}}</ref> These feedback mechanisms are controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Messages or signals from the hypothalamus are sent to the pituitary gland. In turn, the pituitary gland releases hormones to the ovaries. From this signaling, the ovaries release their own hormones.

===Gamete production ===
{{main|Oogenesis}}
[[File:Oogenesis Labeled.svg|thumb|The process of ovulation and gamete production, oogenesis, in a human ovary]]
The ovaries are the site of production and periodical release of [[egg cell]]s, the female gametes. In the ovaries, the developing egg cells (or [[oocyte]]s) mature in the fluid-filled [[ovarian follicles|follicles]]. Typically, only one oocyte develops at a time, but others can also mature simultaneously. Follicles are composed of different types and number of cells according to the stage of [[folliculogenesis|their maturation]], and their size is indicative of the stage of oocyte development.<ref name=ross>{{cite book|title=Histology: A Text and Atlas|publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|vauthors=Ross M, Pawlina W |year=2011|isbn=978-0-7817-7200-6|edition=6th}}</ref>{{rp|833}}

When an oocyte completes its maturation in the ovary, a surge of [[luteinizing hormone]] is secreted by the [[pituitary gland]], which stimulates the release of the oocyte through the rupture of the follicle, a process called [[ovulation]].<ref name=williams>{{cite book|last1=Melmed|first1=S|last2=Polonsky|first2=KS|last3=Larsen|first3=PR|last4=Kronenberg|first4=HM|title=Williams Textbook of Endocrinology|date=2011|publisher=Saunders|isbn=978-1437703245|edition=12th|page=595}}</ref> The follicle remains functional and reorganizes into a [[corpus luteum]], which secretes [[progesterone]] in order to prepare the [[uterus]] for an eventual [[Implantation (human embryo)|implantation]] of the embryo.<ref name=ross />{{rp|839}}

===Hormone secretion===
At maturity, ovaries secrete [[estrogen]], [[androgen]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://webmd.com/women/normal-testosterone-and-estrogen-levels-in-women|title=Normal Testosterone and Estrogen Levels in Women|work=WebMD|access-date=2017-11-19|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003707.htm|title=Testosterone: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia|website=www.nlm.nih.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref> [[Activin and inhibin|inhibin]], and [[progestogen]].<ref name=Marieb>{{cite book | last = Marieb | first = Elaine | title = Anatomy & physiology | publisher = Benjamin-Cummings | page=903  | year = 2013 | isbn = 9780321887603 }}</ref>{{sfn|Venes| 2013 | p = 1702}}<ref name=":4" /> In women before menopause, 50% of testosterone is produced by the ovaries and released directly into the blood stream. The other 50% of testosterone in the blood stream is made from conversion of the adrenal pre-androgens ( DHEA and androstenedione) to testosterone in other parts of the body. Estrogen is responsible for the appearance of [[secondary sex characteristics]] for females at [[puberty]] and for the maturation and maintenance of the [[reproductive organs]] in their mature functional state. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy, and the mammary glands for lactation. Progesterone functions with estrogen by promoting [[menstrual cycle]] changes in the [[endometrium]].{{Medical citation needed|date=November 2017}}

===Ovarian aging===
As women age, they experience a decline in reproductive performance leading to [[menopause]].  This decline is tied to a decline in the number of ovarian follicles. Although about 1 million oocytes are present at birth in the human ovary, only about 500 (about 0.05%) of these ovulate, and the rest do not ovulate.  The decline in ovarian reserve appears to occur at a constantly increasing rate with age,<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Hansen | first1 = KR | last2 = Knowlton | first2 = NS | last3 = Thyer | first3 = AC | last4 = Charleston | first4 = JS | last5 = Soules | first5 = MR | last6 = Klein | first6 = NA | year = 2008 | title = A new model of reproductive aging: the decline in ovarian non-growing follicle number from birth to menopause | journal = Hum Reprod | volume = 23 | issue = 3| pages = 699–708 | doi = 10.1093/humrep/dem408 | pmid = 18192670 | doi-access = free | citeseerx = 10.1.1.536.1171 }}</ref> and leads to nearly complete exhaustion of the reserve by about age 52.  As ovarian reserve and fertility decline with age, there is also a parallel increase in pregnancy failure and meiotic errors resulting in chromosomally abnormal conceptions. The ovarian reserve and fertility perform optimally around 20–30 years of age.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last1=Amanvermez|first1=Ramazan|last2=Tosun|first2=Migraci|date=2016|title=An Update on Ovarian Aging and Ovarian Reserve Tests|journal=International Journal of Fertility & Sterility|volume=9|issue=4|pages=411–415|issn=2008-076X|pmc=4793161|pmid=26985328}}</ref> Around 45 years of age, the menstrual cycle begins to change and the follicle pool decreases significantly.<ref name=":5" />  The events that lead to ovarian aging remain unclear. The variability of aging could include environmental factors, lifestyle habits or genetic factors.<ref name=":5" />

Women with an inherited mutation in the DNA repair gene BRCA1 undergo menopause prematurely,<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Rzepka-Górska | first1 = I | last2 = Tarnowski | first2 = B | last3 = Chudecka-Głaz | first3 = A | last4 = Górski | first4 = B | last5 = Zielińska | first5 = D | last6 = Tołoczko-Grabarek | first6 = A | year = 2006 | title = Premature menopause in patients with BRCA1 gene mutation | journal = Breast Cancer Res Treat | volume = 100 | issue = 1| pages = 59–63 | doi = 10.1007/s10549-006-9220-1 | pmid = 16773440 | s2cid = 19572648 }}</ref> suggesting that naturally occurring DNA damages in oocytes are repaired less efficiently in these women, and this inefficiency leads to early reproductive failure.  The BRCA1 protein plays a key role in a type of DNA repair termed homologous recombinational repair that is the only known cellular process that can accurately repair DNA double-strand breaks. Titus et al.<ref name=Titus>{{cite journal | last1 = Titus | first1 = S | last2 = Li | first2 = F | last3 = Stobezki | first3 = R | last4 = Akula | first4 = K | last5 = Unsal | first5 = E | last6 = Jeong | first6 = K | last7 = Dickler | first7 = M | last8 = Robson | first8 = M | last9 = Moy | first9 = F | last10 = Goswami | first10 = S | last11 = Oktay | first11 = K | year = 2013 | title = Impairment of BRCA1-related DNA double-strand break repair leads to ovarian aging in mice and humans | journal = Sci Transl Med | volume = 5 | issue = 172| pages = 172ra21| doi = 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004925 | pmid = 23408054 | pmc=5130338}}</ref> showed that DNA double-strand breaks accumulate with age in humans and mice in primordial follicles.  Primordial follicles contain oocytes that are at an intermediate (prophase I) stage of meiosis.  Meiosis is the general process in eukaryotic organisms by which germ cells are formed, and it is likely an adaptation for removing DNA damages, especially double-strand breaks, from germ line DNA (see [[Meiosis]] and [[Origin and function of meiosis]]).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bernstein |first1=H. |last2=Byerly |first2=H. C. |last3=Hopf |first3=F. A. |last4=Michod |first4=R. E. |date=1985-09-20 |title=Genetic damage, mutation, and the evolution of sex |journal=Science |volume=229 |issue=4719 |pages=1277–1281 |doi=10.1126/science.3898363 |pmid=3898363|bibcode=1985Sci...229.1277B }}</ref> Homologous recombinational repair is especially promoted during meiosis.  Titus et al.<ref name=Titus /> also found that expression of 4 key genes necessary for homologous recombinational repair of DNA double-strand breaks (BRCA1, MRE11, RAD51 and ATM) decline with age in the oocytes of humans and mice.  They hypothesized that DNA double-strand break repair is vital for the maintenance of oocyte reserve and that a decline in efficiency of repair with age plays a key role in ovarian aging. A study identified 290 genetic determinants of ovarian ageing, also found that [[DNA damage (naturally occurring)|DNA damage]] response processes are implicated and suggests that possible effects of extending fertility in women would improve bone health, reduce risk of type 2 diabetes and increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Researchers identify new genes linked to longer reproductive lifespan in women |url=https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-08-genes-linked-longer-reproductive-lifespan.html |access-date=21 September 2021 |work=medicalxpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Genetic insights into biological mechanisms governing human ovarian ageing |journal=Nature |date=August 2021 |volume=596 |issue=7872 |pages=393–397 |doi=10.1038/s41586-021-03779-7 |language=en |issn=1476-4687|last1=Ruth |first1=Katherine S. |last2=Day |first2=Felix R. |last3=Hussain |first3=Jazib |last4=Martínez-Marchal |first4=Ana |last5=Aiken |first5=Catherine E. |last6=Azad |first6=Ajuna |last7=Thompson |first7=Deborah J. |last8=Knoblochova |first8=Lucie |last9=Abe |first9=Hironori |last10=Tarry-Adkins |first10=Jane L. |last11=Gonzalez |first11=Javier Martin |last12=Fontanillas |first12=Pierre |last13=Claringbould |first13=Annique |last14=Bakker |first14=Olivier B. |last15=Sulem |first15=Patrick |last16=Walters |first16=Robin G. |last17=Terao |first17=Chikashi |last18=Turon |first18=Sandra |last19=Horikoshi |first19=Momoko |last20=Lin |first20=Kuang |last21=Onland-Moret |first21=N. Charlotte |last22=Sankar |first22=Aditya |last23=Hertz |first23=Emil Peter Thrane |last24=Timshel |first24=Pascal N. |last25=Shukla |first25=Vallari |last26=Borup |first26=Rehannah |last27=Olsen |first27=Kristina W. |last28=Aguilera |first28=Paula |last29=Ferrer-Roda |first29=Mònica |last30=Huang |first30=Yan |pmid=34349265 |pmc=7611832 |bibcode=2021Natur.596..393R |display-authors=1 }}</ref>

A variety of testing methods can be used in order to determine fertility based on maternal age. Many of these tests measure levels of hormones FSH, and GnrH. Methods such as measuring AMH ([[anti-Müllerian hormone]]) levels, and AFC (antral follicule count) can predict ovarian aging. AMH levels serve as an indicator of ovarian aging since the quality of ovarian follicles can be determined.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Usta|first1=Taner|last2=Oral|first2=Engin|date=June 2012|title=Is the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone essential?|url=http://insights.ovid.com/|journal=Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology|language=en|volume=24|issue=3|pages=151–157|doi=10.1097/GCO.0b013e3283527dcf|issn=1040-872X|pmid=22487725|s2cid=24219177|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==Clinical significance==
[[File:Polycystic Ovaries.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Polycystic ovaries typically found in [[Polycystic ovary syndrome|polycystic ovarian syndrome]] ]]
[[Ovarian disease]]s can be classified as [[endocrine disorder]]s or as a disorders of the [[reproductive system]].{{Medical citation needed|date=November 2017}}

If the egg fails to release from the follicle in the ovary an [[ovarian cyst]] may form. Small ovarian cysts are common in healthy women. Some women have more follicles than usual ([[polycystic ovary syndrome]]), which inhibits the follicles to grow normally and this will cause cycle irregularities.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!
!Notes
!{{Abbr|Ref(s)|References}}
|-
|[[Ovarian tumor]]s
|
|
|-
|[[Germ cell tumor]]
|Seen most often in young women or adolescent girls. Other germ cell tumors are: [[Endodermal sinus tumor]] and [[teratoma]],
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/hp/ovarian-germ-cell-treatment-pdq|title=Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors Treatment|website=National Cancer Institute|language=en|access-date=2017-12-01|date=1980-01-01}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ovarian cancer]]
|includes [[ovarian epithelial cancer]]
|<ref name=harrisons9th>{{cite web | publisher = MGraw-Hill Medical | title = Gynecologic Malignancies, Chapter 117 | access-date = June 24, 2017 | first = Michael | last = Seiden | date = 2015 | url = https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1130&sectionid=79730544 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170910175639/https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1130&sectionid=79730544 | archive-date = September 10, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Defining Cancer|url=http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer|website=National Cancer Institute|access-date=10 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625220940/http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer|archive-date=25 June 2014|date=2007-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?CdrID=445074|title=NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms|website=National Cancer Institute|language=en|access-date=2017-12-01|date=2011-02-02}}</ref>
|-
|[[Luteoma]]
|Seen in [[pregnancy]]
|
|-
|[[Ovaritis]]
|Synonym of oophoritis
|{{sfn|Venes| 2013 | p = 1702}}
|-
|[[Ovarian remnant syndrome]]
| Incomplete removal of tissue during [[oophorectomy]]
|{{sfn|Venes| 2013 | p = 1702}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7297/ovarian-remnant-syndrome|title=Ovarian remnant syndrome {{!}} Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program|website=rarediseases.info.nih.gov|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>
|-
|[[Endometriosis]] 
|Often seen in a variety of reproductive regions including the ovaries. 
|<ref name="Kori 266–282">{{Cite journal|last1=Kori|first1=Medi|last2=Gov|first2=Esra|last3=Arga|first3=Kazim Yalcin|date=2016-07-03|title=Molecular signatures of ovarian diseases: Insights from network medicine perspective|journal=Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine|volume=62|issue=4|pages=266–282|doi=10.1080/19396368.2016.1197982|issn=1939-6368|pmid=27341345|doi-access=free|hdl=11424/218245|hdl-access=free}}</ref>
|-
|[[Hypogonadism]]
|It exists in two forms, central and primary. Central hypogonadism is a condition that is a result of improper function from the [[hypothalamus]] and [[pituitary gland]].    
|
|-
|[[Hyperthecosis]]
|[[Theca cells]] are present within ovarian stroma 
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://applications.emro.who.int/imemrf/Kuwait_Med_J/Kuwait_Med_J_2015_47_2_158_160.pdf|title=Postmenopausal Ovarian Hyperthecosis|last=Sundus AlDuaiJ1 , Suha Abdulsalam2 , Khulood Al Asfore2}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ovarian torsion]]
|Occurs in rare cases. Can occur in all ages 
|<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Huang|first1=Ci|last2=Hong|first2=Mun-Kun|last3=Ding|first3=Dah-Ching|date=2017|title=A review of ovary torsion|journal=Tzu-Chi Medical Journal|volume=29|issue=3|pages=143–147|doi=10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_55_17|issn=1016-3190|pmc=5615993|pmid=28974907 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
|-
|[[Ovarian apoplexy]] (rupture)
|Most often results from [[ovarian cyst]]s. In rare instances this condition can cause [[Bleeding|hemorrhaging]] and death.   
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ejog.org/article/0028-2243(73)90003-8/pdf|title=Ovarian apoplexy, ovarian and the IUCD|last=J.S. CAMPBELL, F.J. CONKLIN, V.Y.H. CHANG, K.C. SINGH and G.D. HURTEAU}}</ref>
|-
|[[Premature ovarian failure]]
|This disorder is linked to genetic, environmental and autoimmune conditions  
|<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ebrahimi|first1=Mahbod|last2=Akbari Asbagh|first2=Firoozeh|date=2011|title=Pathogenesis and Causes of Premature Ovarian Failure: An Update|journal=International Journal of Fertility & Sterility|volume=5|issue=2|pages=54–65|issn=2008-076X|pmc=4059950|pmid=24963360}}</ref>
|-
|[[Polycystic ovary syndrome|Polycystic ovarian syndrome]] 
|Affects women of reproductive age 
|<ref name="Kori 266–282"/>
|-
|[[Anovulation]]
|Caused by a variety of conditions  
|<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Hamilton-Fairley|first1=Diana|last2=Taylor|first2=Alison|date=2003-09-06|title=Anovulation|journal=BMJ: British Medical Journal|volume=327|issue=7414|pages=546–549|issn=0959-8138|pmid=12958117|pmc=192851|doi=10.1136/bmj.327.7414.546}}</ref>
|-
|[[Follicular cyst of ovary]]
|Can occur after [[menopause]], or during childbearing years  
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ovarian-Cysts?IsMobileSet=false|title=Ovarian Cysts - ACOG|website=www.acog.org|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>
|-
|[[Theca lutein cyst]]
|Normally occurs [[Postpartum period|postpartum]] 
|<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Upadhyaya|first1=Geetika|last2=Goswami|first2=Anu|last3=Babu|first3=Suresh|date=2004|title=Bilateral theca lutein cysts: A rare cause of acute abdomen in pregnancy|journal=Emergency Medicine|language=en|volume=16|issue=5–6|pages=476–477|doi=10.1111/j.1742-6723.2004.00654.x|pmid=15537414|issn=1442-2026}}</ref>
|-
|[[Chocolate cyst]]
|Presence of this type of cyst is an indicator of [[endometriosis]] 
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(99)00367-2/pdf|title=Chocolate cysts from ovarian follicles|last=Smita Jain, M.B., M.S.* and Maureen E. Dalton}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ovarian germ cell tumors]]
|[[Benign]]
|<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating/germ-cell-tumors.html | title=Treatment for Germ Cell Tumors of the Ovary}}</ref>
|-
|[[Dysgerminoma]]
|Typically occurs in young women between the ages of 10–30 years of age 
|<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Dysgerminoma|journal = Postgraduate Medical Journal|volume = 43|issue = 500|pages = 400–405|last=S. A. SELIGMAN|pmc = 2466249|year = 1967|pmid = 6043689|doi = 10.1136/pgmj.43.500.400}}</ref>
|-
|[[Choriocarcinoma]]
|Can occur without [[Gynaecology|gynecological]] symptoms  
|<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Magrath|first1=I. T.|last2=Golding|first2=P. R.|last3=Bagshawe|first3=K. D.|date=1971-06-12|title=Medical Presentations of Choriocarcinoma|journal=British Medical Journal|volume=2|issue=5762|pages=633–637|issn=0007-1447|pmc=1796509|pmid=5314264|doi=10.1136/bmj.2.5762.633}}</ref>
|-
|[[Yolk sac tumor]]
|[[Malignancy|Malignant]]. Occurs in young children 
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/ovarytumoryolksac.html|title=Yolk sac tumor|website=www.pathologyoutlines.com|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>
|-
|[[Teratoma]]
|Very rare. Often occurs in newborns 
|{{medical citation needed|date=July 2023}}
|-
|[[Ovarian serous cystadenoma]]
|[[Benign]] lesions  
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ovarian-serous-cystadenoma?lang=us|title=Ovarian serous cystadenoma {{!}} Radiology Reference Article {{!}} Radiopaedia.org|last=Weerakkody|first=Yuranga|website=Radiopaedia|date=29 July 2011 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>
|-
|[[Serous cystadenocarcinoma]]
|[[Malignancy|Malignant]]. Low survival rates  
|<ref name="Vang 267–282">{{Cite journal|last1=Vang|first1=Russell|last2=Shih|first2=Ie-Ming|last3=Kurman|first3=Robert J.|date=September 2009|title=OVARIAN LOW-GRADE AND HIGH-GRADE SEROUS CARCINOMA: Pathogenesis, Clinicopathologic and Molecular Biologic Features, and Diagnostic Problems|journal=Advances in Anatomic Pathology|volume=16|issue=5|pages=267–282|doi=10.1097/PAP.0b013e3181b4fffa|issn=1072-4109|pmc=2745605|pmid=19700937}}</ref>
|-
|[[Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma]]
|Rare and [[Malignancy|malignant]] 
|<ref name="Vang 267–282"/>
|-
|[[Brenner tumour|Brenner tumor]]
|This benign tumor is often found in post-menopausal women  
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9397/brenner-tumor-of-ovary/cases/23915|title=Brenner tumor of ovary {{!}} Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program|website=rarediseases.info.nih.gov|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>
|-
|[[Granulosa cell tumour|Granulosa cell tumor]]
|Rare. Increases [[estrogen]] levels. 
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/8642/granulosa-cell-tumor-of-the-ovary#:~:targetText=Granulosa%20cell%20tumor%20of%20the%20ovary%20is%20a%20rare%20type,estrogen%20in%20a%20woman%27s%20body.|title=Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary {{!}} Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program|website=rarediseases.info.nih.gov|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>
|-
|[[Krukenberg tumor]]
|[[Metastasis|Metastatic]] with origins from the [[stomach]]  
|<ref>{{Citation|last1=Aziz|first1=Muhammad|title=Cancer, Krukenberg Tumor|date=2019|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482284/|work=StatPearls|publisher=StatPearls Publishing|pmid=29489206|access-date=2019-12-11|last2=Kasi|first2=Anup}}</ref>
|}
[[File:Ovarian torsion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Ovarian torsion]]. Present in rats.]]

==Society and culture==

===Cryopreservation===
[[Cryopreservation]] of ovarian tissue, often called ''ovarian tissue cryopreservation'', is of interest to women who want to preserve their reproductive function beyond the natural limit, or whose reproductive potential is threatened by cancer therapy,<ref>{{cite journal | doi=10.1530/REP-09-0039  |vauthors=Isachenko V, Lapidus I, Isachenko E, etal | title=Human ovarian tissue vitrification versus conventional freezing: morphological, endocrinological, and molecular biological evaluation. | journal=Reproduction | year=2009 | pages=319–27 | issue=2 | volume=138 | pmid=19439559| doi-access=free }}</ref> for example in hematologic malignancies or breast cancer.<ref name=Oktay/> The procedure is to take a part of the ovary and carry out slow freezing before storing it in liquid nitrogen whilst therapy is undertaken. Tissue can then be thawed and implanted near the fallopian, either orthotopic (on the natural location) or heterotopic (on the abdominal wall),<ref name=Oktay/> where it starts to produce new eggs, allowing normal conception to take place.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131109091734/http://www.uclsaintluc.be/presse/communiques/2004/2004-tamara-lancet-complet.pdf Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue] The Lancet, Sep 24, 2004</ref> A study of 60 procedures concluded that ovarian tissue harvesting appears to be safe.<ref name=Oktay>{{cite journal |vauthors=Oktay K, Oktem O |title=Ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation for fertility preservation for medical indications: report of an ongoing experience |journal=Fertil. Steril. |volume= 93|issue= 3|pages= 762–8|date=November 2008 |pmid=19013568 |doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.10.006 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The ovarian tissue may also be transplanted into mice that are immunocompromised ([[SCID mice]]) to avoid [[graft rejection]], and tissue can be harvested later when mature follicles have developed.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Lan C, Xiao W, Xiao-Hui D, Chun-Yan H, Hong-Ling Y |title=Tissue culture before transplantation of frozen-thawed human fetal ovarian tissue into immunodeficient mice |journal=Fertil. Steril. |volume= 93|issue= 3|pages= 913–9|date=December 2008 |pmid=19108826 |doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.10.020 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===History===
In former centuries, medical authors, for example [[Galen]], referred to a woman's ovaries as "female testes".{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

==Other animals==
[[File:Parasite140007-fig7 Philometra fasciati Moravec & Justine, 2008 (Nematoda, Philometridae).tif|thumb| Ovary of a marine fish and its parasite, the nematode ''[[Philometra]] fasciati'']]

Birds have only one functional ovary (the left), while the other remains vestigial. In mammals including humans, the female ovary is [[Homology (biology)|homologous]] to the male [[testicle]], in that they are both [[gonad]]s and [[endocrine gland]]s. Ovaries of some kind are found in the female reproductive system of many invertebrates  that employ [[sexual reproduction]]. However, they develop in a very different way in most invertebrates than they do in vertebrates, and are not truly homologous.<ref name=VB>{{cite book |author=Romer, Alfred Sherwood|author2=Parsons, Thomas S.|year=1977 |title=The Vertebrate Body |publisher=Holt-Saunders International |location= Philadelphia, PA|pages= 383–385|isbn= 978-0-03-910284-5}}</ref>

Many of the features found in human ovaries are common to all vertebrates, including the presence of follicular cells, tunica albuginea, and so on. However, many species produce a far greater number of eggs during their lifetime than do humans, so that, [[Fish_anatomy#Ovaries|in fish]] and amphibians, there may be hundreds, or even millions of fertile eggs present in the ovary at any given time. In these species, fresh eggs may be developing from the germinal epithelium throughout life. Corpora lutea are found only in mammals, and in some [[elasmobranch]] fish; in other species, the remnants of the follicle are quickly resorbed by the ovary. In birds, reptiles, and [[monotreme]]s, the egg is relatively large, filling the follicle, and distorting the shape of the ovary at maturity.<ref name=VB/>

Amphibians and reptiles have no ovarian medulla; the central part of the ovary is a hollow, [[lymph]]-filled space.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/science/animal-reproductive-system/Accessory-glands | title=Animal reproductive system - Accessory glands}}</ref>

The ovary of [[teleost]]s is also often hollow, but in this case, the eggs are shed into the cavity, which opens into the [[oviduct]].<ref name=VB/> Certain [[nematode]]s of the genus ''[[Philometra]]'' are parasitic in the ovary of marine fishes and can be spectacular, with females as long as {{Cvt|40|cm}}, coiled in the ovary of a fish half this length.<ref name="MoravecJustine2014">{{cite journal|last1=Moravec|first1=František|last2=Justine|first2=Jean-Lou|title=Philometrids (Nematoda: Philometridae) in carangid and serranid fishes off New Caledonia, including three new species|journal=Parasite|volume=21|year=2014|pages=21|issn=1776-1042|doi=10.1051/parasite/2014022|pmid=24836940|pmc=4023622}} {{open access}}</ref> Although most female vertebrates have two ovaries, this is not the case in all species. In most birds and in [[platypus]]es, the right ovary never matures, so that only the left is functional. (Exceptions include the [[Kiwi (bird)|kiwi]] and some, but not all [[birds of prey|raptors]], in which both ovaries persist.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Fitzpatrick | first1 = F. L. | year = 1934 | title = Unilateral and bilateral ovaries in raptorial birds | journal = The Wilson Bulletin | volume = 46 | issue = 1| pages = 19–22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Kinsky | first1 = F. C. | year = 1971 | title = The consistent presence of paired ovaries in the Kiwi(Apteryx) with some discussion of this condition in other birds | journal = Journal of Ornithology | volume = 112 | issue = 3| pages = 334–357 | doi=10.1007/bf01640692| bibcode = 1971JOrni.112..334K | s2cid = 28261057 }}</ref>)  In some elasmobranchs, only the right ovary develops fully. In the primitive [[jawless fish]], and some teleosts, there is only one ovary, formed by the fusion of the paired organs in the embryo.<ref name="VB" />

==Additional images==
<gallery>
File:Slide1DDD.JPG|Left ovary
File:Ovaries.jpg|Ovaries
File:Uterus and ovaries.png|Uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
File:Right ovary.png|Right ovary
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Archegonium]]
*[[Artificial ovary]]
*[[Folliculogenesis]]
*[[Oophorectomy]]
*[[Ovarian drilling]]
*[[Ovarian reserve]]
*[[Ovarian Culture|Ovary culture]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book | last = Venes | first = Donald | title = Taber's cyclopedic medical dictionary | publisher = F.A. Davis | location = Philadelphia | year = 2013 | isbn = 9780803629790 }}

==External links==
{{wiktionary}}
{{Commons category|Ovary}}
* [http://www.ama-assn.org//ama/pub/physician-resources/patient-education-materials/atlas-of-human-body/female-reproductive-system.page From the American Medical Association] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025054051/http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/patient-education-materials/atlas-of-human-body/female-reproductive-system.page |date=2016-10-25 }}
* [https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/overview-of-the-female-reproductive-system?redirectid=1123?ruleredirectid=30&qt=&sc=&alt= Merck Online Medical Library: Female Reproductive System]

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