Question

What is the pathway followed by the ovarian arteries?

Answer 1

The ovarian artery is a long paired vessel that runs in the body to supply blood to the ovary and uterus. The main function of these arteries is supplying blood with a number of branches. These branches are named after the structure for which they provide the blood.

Complete answer:
Ovarian artery is an artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the ovary of the female. They are paired structures that arise from the abdominal aorta. They arise from the abdominal aorta below the renal artery and can also be found in the suspensory ligament of the ovary, which is anterior to the ovarian vein and ureter. Emerging from the aorta they travel down the suspensory ligament of the ovary then enter the mesovarium and then join with the uterine artery in the broad ligament.
Ovarian arteries present in the females are corresponding arteries to the testicular artery in the males. These arteries are usually shorter than testicular arteries.
Origin and the course of first part of each artery is same in male as well as female but on arrival at the upper opening of the lesser pelvis tha ovarian artery passes inwards. It is between the two layers of the ovaio pelvic ligament and of the broad ligament of the uterus to be distributed to the ovary.
BRANCHES- Ovarian arteries consist of small branches that are interconnected to the uterus and the uterine tube, and one of them passes on the side of the uterus and then gets united with the uterine artery. Other side is mainly continued on the round ligament of the uterus through the inguinal canal and then to the integument of the labium majus and groin.
FUNCTION- The main function of this artery is supplying blood to the ovary and the uterus. These arteries swell up during pregnancy in order to increase the uterine blood supply.

Note:
Variations of origin are not uncommon in the ovarian arteries as in most often in relation to the vertebral level or parent artery. Majorly 10 to 20% of these originate from the renal arteries on one side or on both or they originate from inferior phrenic, superior mesenteric, lumbar, common iliac or internal iliac arteries.