Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Where are the ovaries located in the female body?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
human reproductive system
Organs and structures of the male and female reproductive systems.
The ovaries are the female gonads located within the pelvic girdle. In women who have not been pregnant, each almond-shaped ovary is positioned vertically against a depression known as the ovarian fossa, situated on the side wall of the lesser (or true) pelvis.12
The ovaries are held in their anatomical position by several ligaments, including the broad ligament, the suspensory ligament, and the ovarian ligament. Additionally, each ovary is suspended by a mesentery—a fold of membrane—from the back layer of the broad ligament of the uterus. The fallopian tube arches over the ovary, curving downward along its medial surface. It is important to note that the specific positioning of the ovaries can be altered during and after pregnancy.12