Germinal epithelium (female)

The surface of the ovary is covered by a layer of columnar cells which constitutes the germinal epithelium of Waldeyer. (Some sources consider it simple cuboidal.

This epithelium gives to the ovary a dull gray color as compared with the shining smoothness of the peritoneum; and the transition between the squamous epithelium of the peritoneum and the columnar cells which cover the ovary is usually marked by a line around the anterior border of the ovary.