A paraovarian cyst
Keywords: paraovarian, bovine, cow, ovary, cyst, müllerian, wolffian, Kobelts
The structure shown here could either be a wolffian (Kobelt's or mesonephric) cyst or a remnant of the müllerian system i.e. a paramesonephric cyst. Even in the human literature there is considerable confusion as to the origin of these cysts. Therefore they are often grouped loosely as "paraovarian cysts". Even the histology of the cyst may not reveal its origin, especially in veterinary medicine where these cysts had not been studied as adequately as they have in human medicine.
The cysts have virtually no practical importance because they usually do not impede normal reproductive function. They are occasionally seen on ultrasonography of the ovaries and can be palpated if they are large.
Paraovarian cysts appear to be more common in horses in cattle, but in theory, could exist in any species.
The incision across the ovary is incidental; made to demonstrate the presence of the corpus albicans, it's crown just visible at the site of the incision.
