Ovarian artery

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

In human anatomy, the ovarian artery is a blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the ovary. It arises from the abdominal aortic artery below the renal artery, and does not pass out of the abdominal cavity. It can be found in the suspensory ligament of the ovary.

Relationship to internal spermatic

It only exists in females. The ovarian arteries are the corresponding arteries in the female to the internal spermatic in the male. They are shorter than the internal spermatics.

The origin and course of the first part of each artery are the same as those of the internal spermatic, but on arriving at the upper opening of the lesser pelvis the ovarian artery passes inward, between the two layers of the ovariopelvic ligament and of the broad ligament of the uterus, to be distributed to the ovary.

Branches

Small branches are given to the ureter and the uterine tube, and one passes on to the side of the uterus, and unites with the uterine artery.

Other offsets are continued on the round ligament of the uterus, through the inguinal canal, to the integument of the labium majus and groin.

It commonly anastomoses (connects with) the uterine artery.

Additional images

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  The abdominal aorta and its branches.
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  Vessels of the uterus and its appendages, rear view.
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  Uterus and right broad ligament, seen from behind.

External links

• "Anastomoses Between Utero - Ovarian Arteries, Variations" at anatomyatlases.org
• Template:NormanAnatomy (Template:NormanAnatomyFig)
• Template:DartmouthHumanAnatomy