Ovary

This enlargement shows the serosa, composed of the germinal epithelium and a thin connective tissue layer, overlying the tunica albuginea. An outer cortex contains follicles of varying sizes, while the inner medulla is composed of loose connective tissue with blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves. 40x

This enlargement shows the serosa, composed of the germinal epithelium and a thin connective tissue layer, overlying the tunica albuginea. An outer cortex contains follicles of varying sizes, while the inner medulla is composed of loose connective tissue with blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves. 40x

The serosal epithelium covering the ovary is called germinal epithelium, so named because it was once thought to be the site of germ cell formation. It is a simple cuboidal epithelium rather than the simple squamous usually found in a serosa.

The connective tissue beneath the epithelium is thickened to form the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer.

Small follicles (arrows) are clustered beneath the tunica albuginea, while larger follicles (X) are located deeper in the cortex.

The next image is similar to the area outlined by the rectangle.