The specific stroma of the ovary, particularly its vascularization and involutive changes, has been evaluated in relation to the ovofollicular apparatus and mechanisms of ovulation. Five stromal cell types are recognized which differentiate along either a nonlipidic or a lipidic line. The cellular and vascular features of the ovarian cortex and medulla are very different, reflecting the different functional properties of cortex and medulla. The structural features would appear to play an important role both in follicle migration within the ovary and in the process of ovulation. Various forms of hyalinization of the specific stroma of the ovary are also described. Each variety probably represents involution of different stromal cell types.
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