Dense connective tissue that covers the ovary is called the
(A) tunica vaginalis.
(B) tunica albuginea.
(C) fibrous capsule.
(D) ovarian hilum.
E broad ligament.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is (B) tunica albuginea.
The tunica albuginea is a dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds the ovary. This fibrous capsule is located directly beneath the epithelial layer of the ovary and serves to provide structural support and protection. Its primary function is to protect the delicate ovarian tissues and maintain the shape of the ovary.
The tunica albuginea is similar in structure to the tunica albuginea found around other organs such as the testes, where it also provides protective coverage. In the ovaries, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the organ, ensuring that the underlying tissues, including the ovarian follicles, are well-supported.
This layer is distinct from other structures like the tunica vaginalis (A), which is associated with the testes and provides a serous membrane around the testes, and the fibrous capsule (C), which generally refers to a fibrous covering of various organs but is not specific to the ovary.
The ovarian hilum (D) is an area where blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics enter and exit the ovary, and it is not a covering of the ovary itself. The broad ligament (E) is a large fold of peritoneum that attaches the ovaries to the walls of the pelvis but does not directly cover the ovary.
In summary, the tunica albuginea is the correct term for the dense connective tissue that covers the ovary, providing both structural support and a protective barrier.