Ovary Containing an Ovarian Cyst

Description

Shown in sectioned form, the ovary is rendered with its outer cortical stroma surrounding a more vascular medulla, and a smooth-walled, fluid-filled ovarian cyst expanding within the parenchyma. The cyst lies deep to the ovarian surface epithelium and tunica albuginea, displacing adjacent follicles toward the periphery and thinning the overlying cortex. Along the medial aspect, the ovarian hilum and mesovarian attachment are suggested as the route for the ovarian vessels and nerves entering the gland. Clear margins. Clinically, this configuration matches the way common functional cysts (follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts) enlarge inside otherwise normal ovarian tissue, a pattern that helps learners distinguish them from extraovarian adnexal masses such as hydrosalpinx or paratubal cysts. Progressive expansion can stretch the ovarian capsule and contribute to acute pelvic pain with rupture or hemorrhage, and increased ovarian volume also raises concern for adnexal torsion, where the infundibulopelvic ligament and utero-ovarian ligament may twist and compromise blood flow. The internal location and smooth contour are also the starting point for discussing ultrasound triage, where a simple cyst contrasts with complex septations, mural nodules, or solid components that shift the differential toward neoplasm. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and reproductive system teaching to anchor terminology (cortex, medulla, follicles, hilum) while introducing cyst morphology in a single, readable plate, and in OB-GYN lectures, patient education handouts, and medical publishing where a generic but anatomically faithful ovarian cyst is needed. It also supports clinical documentation and slide decks on pelvic ultrasound reporting, cyst follow-up thresholds, and laparoscopic cystectomy concepts. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.