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Right ovary

The right ovary is one of the paired female gonads, located in the pelvis. It is an oval-shaped organ responsible for oocyte (egg) production and secretion of female sex hormones. The right ovary lies adjacent to the uterus and fallopian tube, attached by ligaments that stabilize it within the pelvic cavity. It is a key organ in reproduction and endocrine function, and is of central importance in gynecology, oncology, and radiology.

Synonyms

  • Female gonad (right)

  • Right ovarian gland

  • Right reproductive ovary

Location and Relations

  • Location:

    • Lies in the right lateral pelvic wall, within the ovarian fossa

    • Positioned posterior and inferior to the right fallopian tube

    • Typically measures 2.5–5 cm in reproductive-age women (size varies with age and menstrual cycle)

  • Relations:

    • Anteriorly: Broad ligament, right fallopian tube, obliterated umbilical artery

    • Posteriorly: Ureter, internal iliac vessels

    • Medially: Uterus, connected by the ovarian ligament

    • Laterally: Pelvic wall, attached by suspensory ligament of the ovary (containing ovarian vessels)

Function

  • Production and release of oocytes during ovulation

  • Secretion of female sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, inhibin, and relaxin

  • Regulation of the menstrual cycle and fertility

  • Endocrine role in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause

Clinical Significance

  • Site of common pathologies: ovarian cysts, torsion, endometriosis, and tumors

  • Ovarian torsion more frequent on the right due to longer utero-ovarian ligament and proximity to cecum

  • Key structure in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction (IVF)

  • Ovarian masses may be detected incidentally on imaging or present with pelvic pain

  • Ovarian carcinoma staging is crucial in oncology and frequently involves CT/MRI

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Ovarian stroma shows intermediate signal intensity

  • Follicles appear as well-defined, low-signal cystic structures

  • Hemorrhagic cysts or endometriomas appear hyperintense

T2-weighted images:

  • Follicles appear as bright hyperintense round structures

  • Ovarian stroma has intermediate signal intensity

  • Endometriomas may show “shading” (variable signal due to blood products)

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Normal ovary shows intermediate signal intensity

  • Pathological cysts, edema, or inflammation appear hyperintense

T1 Fat-Sat Post-Contrast:

  • Normal ovarian tissue enhances moderately and heterogeneously

  • Solid tumors show avid enhancement

  • Abscesses show rim enhancement with central non-enhancing necrotic core

CT Appearance

Non-Contrast CT:

  • Ovary appears as soft tissue density with visible cystic follicles as low-attenuation round areas

  • Calcifications may indicate teratomas

  • Acute hemorrhage appears hyperdense

Post-Contrast CT:

  • Normal ovarian tissue enhances mildly and heterogeneously

  • Functional cysts show minimal or no enhancement

  • Solid tumors enhance irregularly; necrotic or cystic lesions show rim enhancement

  • Helpful in staging ovarian carcinoma (spread, peritoneal implants, lymphadenopathy)

MRI image

Right ovary MRI axial image anatomy image-img-00000-00000

CT image

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CT image

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