Epoophoron

EPOOPHORON (from Greek epi- meaning upon/above and oophoron meaning ovary) (Waldeyer), formerly retrovarium, otherwise the organ of Rosenmüller (Rosen

Epoophoron: 1-tube of Fallopius; 2-fimbria; 3-appendix of ovary; 4-ovary; 5-lig. ovarii proprium; 6-lig. latum uteri), appendix of ovary - a rudimentary organ of the female reproductive apparatus, lying in the broad ligament of the uterus (see figure) and homologous to the epididymis. It consists of 15-20 slightly convoluted tubules (ductuli transversi), 0.35-0.45 millimeters in diameter, beginning blindly from the edge of the ovary (hilus ovarii) and diverging radially toward the fallopian tube, where their ends empty into a canal running parallel to the tube (ductus longitudinalis, s. Gartneri). From the tubules near the abdominal opening of the tube, vesicular appendices sometimes extend, situated on thin stalks (appendices vesiculosae Morgagni). The tubules of E. are lined with low or cylindrical epithelium, sometimes ciliated, and represent remnants of the Wolffian body and Wolffian duct (see); in the embryo, they penetrate into the medulla of the ovary.