Stroma of ovary

Stroma of Ovary

File:Ovary structure diagram en.svg

Diagram of the structure of an ovary. The stroma of the ovary is the supportive tissue in which the ovarian follicles are embedded.

The Stroma of Ovary is the connective tissue of the ovary that is made up of supportive cells and tissues. It forms the bulk of the ovarian tissue and provides structural and nutritional support to the developing ovarian follicles.

Structure

The stroma of the ovary is composed of spindle-shaped stromal cells, similar to the fibroblasts of the connective tissue. These cells are surrounded by a dense network of collagen fibers and blood vessels. The stroma is divided into two regions: the cortex and the medulla. The cortex is the outer layer of the ovary and contains the ovarian follicles, while the medulla is the innermost layer and contains blood vessels and nerves.

Function

The primary function of the stroma of the ovary is to provide a supportive environment for the development and maturation of the ovarian follicles. It also plays a crucial role in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the stroma of the ovary can lead to various medical conditions. For example, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by an increase in the amount of stromal tissue in the ovary, leading to the formation of multiple small cysts.

See Also

• Ovary
• Ovarian follicle
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome