Ovarian vein

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Vein: Ovarian vein
Ovary of a sheep.
1. ovary
2. tertiary follicle
3. proper ovarial ligament
4. fallopian tube
5. A. and V. ovarica
Latin vena ovarica sinistra, vena ovarica dextra
Drains from    ovary
Drains to inferior vena cava
left renal vein
Artery ovarian artery


The ovarian vein, the female gonadal vein, carries deoxygenated blood from its corresponding ovary to inferior vena cava or one of its tributaries. It is the female equivalent of the testicular vein, and is the venous counterpart of the ovarian artery. It can be found in the suspensory ligament of the ovary.

It a paired vein, with one supplying each ovary.

  • The right ovarian vein generally joins the inferior vena cava.
  • The left ovarian vein, unlike the right, often joins the left renal vein instead of the inferior vena cava.


Thrombosis of ovarian vein is associated with postpartum endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, diverticulitis, appendicitis, and gynecologic surgery.

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