242 



ANATOMY FOR NURSES. [CHAP. XX. 



and 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 



FIG. 137. SECTION OF AN OVARY. (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 germinal or ovarian epithelium. 



numerous vesicles or follicles of different sizes, called the 

 Graafian follicles. 



The stroma contains many blood-vessels and lymphatics. The 

 outer portion is more condensed than the interior, and the whole 



