Epoophoron Explained

Epoophoron
Precursor:	Mesonephric ducts^[1]

The epoophoron or epoöphoron (also called organ of Rosenmüller^[2] or the parovarium; : epoophora) is a remnant of the mesonephric duct that can be found next to the ovary and fallopian tube.

Anatomy

It may contain 10–15 transverse small ducts or tubules that lead to the Gartner's duct (also longitudinal duct of epoophoron) that represents the caudal remnant of the mesonephric ducts and passes through the broad ligament and the lateral wall of the cervix and vagina.

The epoophoron is a homologue to the epididymis in the male.

While the epoophoron is located in the lateral portion of the mesosalpinx and mesovarium, the paroophoron (residual remnant of that part of the mesonephric duct that forms the paradidymis in the male) lies more medially in the mesosalpinx.

Histology

It has a unique histological profile.^{[3] [4]}

Clinical significance

Clinically the organ may give rise to a local paraovarian cyst or adenoma.

See also

• List of homologues of the human reproductive system
• Vesicular appendages of epoophoron

Notes and References

1. Book: Netter, Frank H. . Cochard, Larry R. . Netter's Atlas of human embryology . Icon Learning Systems . Teterboro, N.J . 2002 . 0-914168-99-1 . 173.
2. J. C. Rosenmüller. De ovariis embryonum et foetuum humanorum. 1802.
3. Woolnough E, Russo L, Khan MS, Heatley MK . An immunohistochemical study of the rete ovarii and epoophoron . Pathology . 32 . 2 . 77–83 . 2000 . 10840824 . 10.1080/003130200104277. 42714478 .
4. Russo L, Woolmough E, Heatley MK . Structural and cell surface antigen expression in the rete ovarii and epoophoron differs from that in the Fallopian tube and in endometriosis . Histopathology . 37 . 1 . 64–9 . 2000 . 10931220 . 10.1046/j.1365-2559.2000.00938.x. 35199140 .