Vessel
Ovarian artery
An aortic supply carried in the ovarian suspensory ligament
High-yield
Trace aorta → retroperitoneum → suspensory ligament → ovary. The artery passes anterior to the ureter and communicates with the uterine arterial circulation.
Overview
The ovarian artery descends from the abdominal aorta toward the pelvis, reflecting the ovary's developmental origin high on the posterior abdominal wall. Within the suspensory ligament it approaches the ovary and distributes branches through the mesovarium. Tubal branches connect with uterine arterial branches.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually arises from the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries, near L2; origin varies.
- Course
- Descends over psoas major, crosses anterior to the ureter and iliac vessels, and reaches the ovarian hilum through the suspensory ligament and mesovarium.
- Branches
- Gives ovarian and tubal branches, with small branches to adjacent structures and connections to the uterine artery.
- Supplies
- Supplies the ovary and lateral uterine tube, with variable anastomotic contribution near the uterine fundus.
- Drains to
- Venous return follows ovarian plexuses: right ovarian vein to the inferior vena cava, left to the left renal vein.
Clinical correlation
The ovarian pedicle lies close to the ureter, making their relationship important in pelvic surgery. Uterine–ovarian arterial connections can also provide a route for embolic material to affect ovarian perfusion.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the ovarian artery originate?
Usually arises from the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries, near L2; origin varies.
What does the ovarian artery supply?
Supplies the ovary and lateral uterine tube, with variable anastomotic contribution near the uterine fundus.
Where does the ovarian artery drain to?
Venous return follows ovarian plexuses: right ovarian vein to the inferior vena cava, left to the left renal vein.
What are the branches of the ovarian artery?
Branches of the ovarian artery include the gives ovarian and tubal branches, with small branches to adjacent structures and connections to the uterine artery.