The Ovary and Uterine Tube

The ovaries, about 5 cm long, are distinguished by the many follicles and corpora lutea that project from the entire surface (Fig. 35.3). They are usually found hidden among the intestines, slightly ventrolateral to the pelvic inlet. The relatively long mesovaria commonly allow both ovaries to lie against the one flank, and consequently, both may be removed through a single incision.

The uterine tube (Fig. 35.4/4) is about 20 cm long, is carried in the wall of the cone-shaped ovarian bursa, and meets the horn of the uterus at a tapering junction. Obstruction of the tube (the origin of hydrosalpinx) can cause infertility in sows.