Quick Facts
The mesovarium is the posterior portion of the broad ligament of the uterus between the mesometrium and mesosalpinx, composed of layers that enclose the ovary (Dorland, 2011).
Structure and/or Key Feature(s)
The peritoneum is a complex, continuous serous membrane consisting of a layer of mesothelium and varying degrees of connective and adipose tissue. Visually, it is largely unremarkable, smooth, and has a lubricated surface due to the presence of peritoneal fluid.
Anatomical Relations
The mesovarium is the smallest component of the broad ligament. It is a double folded superior extension of the posterior aspect of the broad ligament, between the mesosalpinx anterosuperiorly and mesometrium inferiorly (Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013). The ovary is suspended within the layers of peritoneum that make up the mesovarium.
Function
The mesovarium suspends and supports the ovaries while allowing ovarian vessels to reach its hilum (Standring, 2016).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Adhesions
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edn.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
