The ovary is composed of connective tissue which surrounds the Graafian follicles, blood-vessels, lymphatics, nerves, and unstriped muscular fibers. The posterior portion, or the free portion of the ovary, is covered with the germinal epithelium, or modified peritoneum, which is continuous with the peritoneum of the broad ligament. The ovary is divided into two portions, which present distinct anatomical, physiological, and pathological differences. The _oöphoron_ is the egg-bearing portion of the ovary. It corresponds to the free border of the gland. The _paroöphoron_ corresponds to the hilum of the ovary--that portion in relation with the broad ligament. The paroöphoron contains no ovarian follicles. It is composed of connective tissue and numerous blood-vessels. In the paroöphoron of young ovaries remnants of gland-tubules--vestiges of the Wolffian body--may be found. _Accessory ovaries_ have been described by several writers, and their existence has often been assumed to account for the persistence of menstruation after a supposed complete salpingo-oöphorectomy. It is very doubtful if a true accessory ovary has ever been found. Bland Sutton says: “As the evidence at present stands, an accessory ovary quite separate from the main gland, so as to form a distinct organ, has yet to be described by a competent observer.” It is probable that the bodies that have been described as accessory ovaries have been more or less detached portions of a lobulated ovary, or small fibro-myomatous tumors of the ovarian ligament. Abdominal surgeons have had opportunity of examining thousands of ovaries at operation, and yet I know of no one who has come across a third ovary. CHAPTER XXVIII. DISEASES OF THE OVARIES (Continued). HERNIA OF THE OVARY. Hernia of the ovary may take place through the inguinal ring. Congenital hernia of the ovary is extremely rare. Bland Sutton says that there is no properly authenticated case. Notwithstanding the frequency of congenital hernia in infants, the ovary has not been found in the hernial sac at birth. In cases that have been reported as congenital hernia of the ovaries the structures have, on microscopical examination, been found to be testicles, the individual being hermaphroditic. Acquired hernia of the ovary is of not infrequent occurrence. The ovary may occupy the hernial sac alone or along with other structures. Ovulation may occur normally, and conception may take place. A true corpus luteum has been found in an ovary contained in a hernial sac. The ovary may remain in the inguinal ring or may pass into the labium majus. In some cases no trouble whatever arises from this displacement. Hernia of the ovary has been found accidentally at autopsy, having been entirely overlooked during life. In other cases swelling and severe pain may be experienced at the menstrual periods.