248 ANATOMY FOR NURSES. [CHAP. XX. 



fourths of an inch (19.0 mm.) wide, and one-third of an inch 

 (8.5 mm.) thick, and weigh from one to two drachms (1.8 to 

 3.5 grammes). Their function is to produce, develop, and 



FIG. 142. SECTION OF AN OVARY. Very highly magnified. (Waldeyer.) 

 a, germ-epithelium; 6, egg-tubes; c, c, small follicles; d, more advanced follicle; 

 e, discus proligerus and ovum; /, second ovum in same follicle (this occurs but 

 rarely); g, outer tunic of the follicle; h, inner tunic; i, membrana granulosa; 

 k, collapsed retrograded follicle; I, I, blood-vessels; y, involuted portion of the 

 germ-epithelium of the surface ; z, place of the transition from peritoneal to ger- 

 minal or ovarian epithelium. 



mature the ova, and to discharge them when fully formed 

 from the ovary. 



The ovaries consist of a framework of connective and muscu- 

 lar tissue, usually called the stroma or bed of the organ ; and 

 of numerous vesicles or follicles of different sizes, called the 

 Graafian follicles. 



