Rete ovarii

Details
Synonyms
Pronunciation
Carnegie stage
Days
Precursor	Mesonephric duct
Gives rise to
Part of

The rete ovarii is a network of small tubules located in the ovary near the hilum. It is considered the female counterpart to the rete testis found in males. The rete ovarii is derived from the mesonephric duct (also known as the Wolffian duct) during embryonic development.

Structure

The rete ovarii is composed of a series of anastomosing channels that are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium. These channels are embedded within the ovarian stroma and are typically located near the hilum of the ovary. The rete ovarii is often more prominent in certain species, such as rodents, and may be less developed or even absent in others, including humans.

Development

During embryogenesis, the rete ovarii develops from the mesonephric duct, which is part of the embryonic kidney structure. As the mesonephros regresses, remnants of the mesonephric duct persist and contribute to the formation of the rete ovarii. This structure is homologous to the rete testis in males, which plays a role in sperm transport.

Function

The exact function of the rete ovarii in humans is not well understood. In some animals, it is thought to play a role in the transport of ovarian fluid or in the regulation of ovarian function. However, in humans, it is generally considered to be a vestigial structure with no significant physiological role.

Clinical significance

The rete ovarii is rarely involved in pathological conditions. However, it can occasionally give rise to benign or malignant tumors, such as rete ovarii adenomas or carcinomas. These tumors are extremely rare and are usually discovered incidentally during histological examination of the ovary.

Also see

• Ovary
• Rete testis
• Mesonephric duct
• Embryonic development of the reproductive system