Ovary from cat (20X)

This is an overview of the ovary (from a cat). It is divided into the medulla, which is the most central part, and the cortex, which lies more peripherally. The cortex of the cat ovary is surrounded by something that looks like a capsule, and this is called the tunica albuginea (it is much less prominent in the ovary than in the testis, however). You can see that the cortex is cell-rich. This is where you can find the follicles of the ovary. The medulla consists of loose connective tissue, and contains many blood vessels, lymph vessels and some nerves.

You can also see the hilus area. In the hilus, the mesovarium emerges to attach the ovary to the ligamentum latum. The mesovarium also contains bundles of smooth muscle cells (seen as reddish strands).