Biology · Human Reproduction · NEET
The cortex is the OUTER (peripheral) zone of the ovary and the medulla is the INNER zone. NCERT says the stroma is divided into two zones, a peripheral cortex and an inner medulla. So cortex = outside, medulla = middle. NEET options often swap these two words to trap you, so fix this order.
The ovarian follicles are embedded in the cortex of the stroma, not in the medulla. NCERT says ovarian follicles in different stages of development are embedded in the stroma. Since the follicles lie near the outside, they are in the peripheral cortex zone. The medulla mostly has connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves.
Each ovary is covered by a thin epithelium. This thin epithelial layer encloses the ovarian stroma inside it. So from outside to inside the order is: thin epithelium, then stroma (cortex first, then medulla). Do not confuse this thin epithelium with the zona pellucida, which is a covering of the ovum, not of the whole ovary.
The stroma is the connective-tissue mass that forms the body of the ovary. It is enclosed by the thin epithelium. The stroma is divided into two zones: the outer cortex (which holds the follicles) and the inner medulla. NCERT states the ovary is composed of ovarian follicles and stromal tissues.
Each ovary is about 2 to 4 cm in length. It is located near the wall of the lower abdomen and is connected to the pelvic wall and the uterus by ligaments. This is a small factual line NEET can ask directly, so remember the 2 to 4 cm size.
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
No. The follicles are embedded in the outer cortex zone. The inner medulla mainly contains loose connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves that supply the ovary.
From outside to inside: thin epithelium, then the stroma made of a peripheral cortex, then an inner medulla. Follicles sit in the cortex.
NCERT Class 12 simply calls it a thin epithelium that encloses the ovarian stroma. For NEET, use the NCERT wording: a thin epithelium covers each ovary.
The ovary is the primary female sex organ that produces one ovum during each menstrual cycle, plus the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Always link follicle stages (primary, secondary, tertiary, Graafian) with the cortex. Ovulation releases the ovum from a Graafian follicle that matured in the cortex.
