Question

Stroma of the mammalian ovary consists of
A. Connective tissue
B. Nerves
C. Vascular tissue
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Stroma is the part of a tissue or organ with a connective role. It is made up of all the parts without specific functions of the organ - for example, connective tissue, blood vessels, ducts, etc. Stroma is present with parenchyma which consists of the cells that perform the function of the tissue or organ.

Complete answer:
Stroma is the part of a tissue or organ with a connective role. It is made up of all the parts without specific functions of the organ - for example, connective tissue, blood vessels, ducts, etc.

The stroma of the ovary is a type of connective tissue which is supplied with blood vessels. Most of the stroma is made up of spindle-shaped stromal cells, which look like fibroblasts. The stroma also contains ordinary connective tissue such as reticular fibers and collagen. The stroma contains immature follicles, which later mature to form ovum.

The ovarian stroma also includes immune cells, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels, and some ovary-specific components like ovarian surface epithelium, tunica albuginea, intraovarian rete ovarii, hilar cells, stem cells etc. So, the stroma of the ovary contains all 3 given options: Connective tissue, Nerves and Vascular tissue.

Hence, The correct answer is option (D).

Additional information:
The mammalian ovaries are small in size, having a thick capsule which is made up of connective tissue, known as tunica albuginea. The inner portion of the ovary is known as stroma, which is divided into central and peripheral stroma.

Note: Stroma of ovary contains immature follicles. So, as stromal cells are associated with maturing follicles, they also acquire endocrine function. The stroma of the ovary also secrete estrogens and this estrogen helps in regulation of release of LH and FSH.