238 



MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY OF THE ORGANS. 



described later. In the ovary we can distinguish a medulla 

 and a cortex (Fig. 182). 



The medulla, also called the zona vasculosa, is characterized 

 by its richness in blood-vessels. It consists of connective 

 tissue, which contains elastic fibres, strands of smooth muscle 

 cells, and the larger vessels of the ovary. These vessels enter 

 the hilus and take a characteristic much-convoluted course. 



FIG. 182. 



Cortex 



Fat cells 



Epoophoron 



Graafian follicles 



Transverse section of the ovary of an ape. X 26. 



The cortex contains, besides the connective tissue, the essen- 

 tial glandular tissue, which is present in the form of so-called 

 follicles. In these there are present the egg cells. The con- 

 nective tissue separating the gland elements is directly continu- 

 ous with that of the medulla, and is known as the stroma. It 

 forms on the surface of the cortex a compact layer, the tunica 

 albuyinea of the ovary. The whole surface of the ovary i. e., 

 the whole tunica albuginea is covered by a single layer of 



