Provided are a medical observation apparatus and a medical observation system that are optimal in manipulability and favorable for downsizing and include: an observation unit including a microscope unit that is configured to collect light from an object to be observed via one end in a height direction of the microscope unit and capture a magnified image of a minute part of the object to be observed and has a columnar shape to be grasped by a user during movement, a center of gravity of which observation unit is located farther from the one end than a center in the height direction is; and a support unit supporting the observation unit in a rotationally movable manner around an axis passing through the center of gravity or a vicinity of the center of gravity and perpendicular to the height direction.