Q.(a) Explain the structure of the Human ovary. OR

(a) The ovary's structure comprises a germinal epithelium and tunica albuginea covering, an outer follicle-bearing cortex, and an inner vascular medulla. (b) ABO blood grouping is a classic multiple-allele, co-dominance system involving alleles IA, IB and i.

(a) Each human female has a pair of ovaries in the pelvic cavity, each about the size and shape of an almond, held in position by the mesovarium (a fold of peritoneum connecting it to the broad ligament and pelvic wall) and the proper ovarian ligament (connecting it to the uterus). The ovary's outer surface is covered by a single layer of germinal epithelium, beneath which lies a dense connective-tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea. The bulk of the ovary is differentiated into two zones: an outer cortex, which houses thousands of ovarian follicles embedded in a stromal connective tissue -- these follicles are present at various stages of development (primordial follicles present from birth, growing primary and secondary follicles, and the fully mature Graafian follicle, which releases the ovum at ovulation) -- and, after ovulation, the cortex also contains the corpus luteum (formed from the ruptured follicle, secreting progesterone); and an inner medulla, composed of loose connective tissue richly supplied with blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves, which enter and exit the ovary at a region called the hilum. …