Reproductive system · Pelvis · Female
Mesovarium !
The mesovarium is the short fold of the broad ligament that holds the ovary and carries its vessels into it.
Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.
What it is
A short fold of the broad ligament attached to the ovary.
What it does
Carries the vessels into the ovary.
Key facts
- Where
- Short posterior fold of the broad ligament attached to the hilum (anterior border) of the ovary
- Function
- Carries the ovarian vessels and nerves into the ovarian hilum
Relations
- In front
- Posterior layer of the broad ligament, from which it arises
- Behind
- Ovaries, attached by their hilum (anterior border)
- Above
- Mesosalpinx and the uterine tube
- Below
- Mesometrium, the largest part of the broad ligament
- Contents
- Branches of the ovarian artery and the ovarian branch of the uterine artery, ovarian veins, lymphatics and nerves to the hilum
How to find it
At laparoscopy or laparotomy, lifting the ovary forward shows the short peritoneal fold joining its front border to the back of the broad ligament.
On imaging
Not seen as a separate fold. Ultrasound and MRI show the ovary behind the broad ligament, with its vessels entering at the hilum. In ovarian torsion the classic findings are an enlarged, oedematous ovary with follicles pushed to the edge and a twisted vascular pedicle (whirlpool sign) on ultrasound or MRI. Normal Doppler flow does not rule torsion out.
Common problems
- Weakened supports allow prolapse.
- Endometriosis often grows on the uterosacral ligaments.
How it is diagnosed
Examination and ultrasound; seen directly in laparoscopy.
Treatment
- They are divided step by step in a hysterectomy.
Clinical notes
- Because the ovary sheds its egg into the peritoneal cavity, a fertilised egg can rarely implant on the ovary or the peritoneum (ovarian or abdominal pregnancy)
- Paraovarian cysts, from embryonic remnants nearby in the broad ligament, sit apart from the ovary on ultrasound, which helps to tell them from ovarian cysts
Development
It forms as the ovary comes to hang from the urogenital ridge on a fold of peritoneum; it is the female counterpart of the mesorchium of the testis.
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Is the ovary covered by peritoneum, and where does the peritoneum stop?
No; it is covered by a single layer of surface epithelium. The peritoneum stops at the mesovarium along the hilum.
From which layer of the broad ligament does the mesovarium arise?
The posterior layer, so the ovary lies behind the broad ligament against the lateral pelvic wall.
Why can a fertilised egg rarely implant on the ovary or peritoneum?
The ovary sheds its egg straight into the peritoneal cavity, since peritoneum stops at the mesovarium.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- mesovarium TA2 3803
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Mesoovario
- English (TA2)
- Mesovarium
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Ovary.
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.
