1992 



HUMAN ANATOMY. 



undergoes regression, until all the new vessels concerned in its nutrition have disap- 

 peared and the circulation of that particular part of the ovary is permanently reduced. 



The function usually ascribed to the corpus luteuni is that of filling the empty follicles and 

 thus restoring the equilibrium of circulation and tension. Clark ' regards the corpus luteum as 

 a preserver of the circulation, since, when performing its functions most perfectly (during the 

 earlier years of menstrual life), it effects the elimination of the effete follicle and the superfluous 

 blood-vessels without leaving dense and clisturbing scars. It is probable, however, that the cor- 

 pus luteum plays a more important role and that it functions as an organ of internal secretion, 

 producing substances influencing the formation of the uterine deciduae and the proper fixation 

 of the fertilized ovum. Moreover, it may be related to lactation. 



The origin of the lutein cells has long been a subject of discussion, and even at present 

 two opposed views share the support of eminent anatomists. According to the older theory, 

 advanced by Baer, these cells are modified connective-tissue elements, derived from the pro- 



FlG. I 691. 



Blood-vessels 



Mesosalpinx 



Corpus luteum 



Mesovarium^ 



Corpora lutea 



Graafian 

 follicles 



Cortex 



Medulla 

 .Remains of corpora lutea 



Sections of Fallopian tube 



Cross-section through ovary, oviduct, and part ot broad ligament. X 6. 



liferation of the cells of the inner layer of the theca folliculi. The other view, formulated by 

 Bischoff, regards the lutein cells as modified follicular epithelium. In the foregoing sketch of 

 the corpus luteum, the lutein cells are ascribed to the theca,' a conclusion based upon the con- 

 vincing observations of Nagel, Rabl, and Clark, and confirmed by the writer's own studies. 

 Sobotta, on the other hand, is most positive in his support of the follicular origin of the lutein 

 cells, based upon an exhaustive investigation on the ovaries of the mouse and rabbit. The 

 difficulty of obtaining human corpora lutea in the earliest stages places the conclusions as to man 

 not beyond challenge. 



Vessels. — The arteries supplying the ovary are four or five branches that arise 

 from the anastomosis of the ovarian artery with the ovarian branch of the uterine. 

 The trunks {aa. ovariaz propria') given ofi from this anastomotic arch pass to the 

 ovary between the layers of the mesovarium and, entering through the hilum as 

 closely grouped tortuous vessels, reach the medulla. According to Clark, ^ whose 

 description is here followed (Fig. 1692), immediately after gaining the medulla each 

 stem divides into two branches, the medullary qx parallel arteries, that proceed in a 

 direct course towards the opposite free margin of the organ, lying just beneath the 

 cortex, to which they distribute cortical branches at regular intervals. In their course 

 to the periphery the cortical branches, losing the characteristic corkscrew-like twist- 

 ings of the parent stems, supply hundreds of folliciilar tivigs to the egg-sacs, each 

 of the latter being provided with a rich vascular net-work anastomosing with two or 

 more follicular branches — an arrangement of great importance in assuring an adequate 

 blood-supply for the growth of the follicle (Clark). At the periphery, the cortical 

 arterioles pass into the veins through an intervening capillary net-work. 



^ Archiv f. Anat. u. Physiolog., Anat. Abth., 1898. 

 ' Welch Anniversary Contributions, 1900. 



