A light and electron microscopic study of the human ovarian ligament

Thomas E. Curry, Charles A. Hodson, Marilyn L. Capps, P. D. Mozley, D. E.D. Jones, Hubert W. Burden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The structure of the human ovarian ligament was studied with light and electron microscopy, with emphasis on neural components. The ligament is primarily composed of smooth muscle arranged in an outer oblique and an inner longitudinal layer. The smooth muscle cells are connected by two types of intercellular junctional complexes, close contacts and intermediate junctions. The intercellular junctions may serve to coordinate smooth muscle activity and synchronize contractions of the ligament. Nerves are abundant and accompany the vascular supply. Specialized encapsulated neural structures previously reported were not observed. Acetylcholinesterase-positive nerves are more numerous than adrenergic nerves. Both types of nerves are associated with vascular smooth muscle. We conclude that these nerves either traverse the ligament or terminate in the ligament and are vasomotor.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)178-184
Number of pages7
JournalCells Tissues Organs
Volume112
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1982

Keywords

  • Electron microscopy
  • Human
  • Light microscopy
  • Nerves
  • Ovarian ligament

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Histology

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