Ovaries

The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.

Structure

Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. It is made up of three main types of cells: epithelial cells on the surface, connective tissue, and ovarian follicles.

Function

The primary functions of the ovaries are to produce eggs (oocytes) and to secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian Follicles

Ovarian follicles are tiny sacs within the ovaries that contain immature eggs. Each month, during the menstrual cycle, one or more follicles will mature and release an egg in a process called ovulation.

Hormone Production

Estrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones produced by the ovaries. These hormones play crucial roles in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Related Conditions

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cancer

Study Tips

Understand the different stages of the menstrual cycle and the roles of the ovaries in each stage.
Learn about the hormonal feedback mechanisms that regulate the function of the ovaries.
Explore the impact of ovarian-related conditions on female reproductive health.

◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. The Science of Chemistry

Worksheet/Answer key

The Science of Chemistry

Worksheet/Answer key

The Science of Chemistry

Worksheet/Answer key

The Science of Chemistry

The resources above cover the following skills:

Nature of Science

The Practice of Science - A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity; The processes of science include the formulation of scientifically investigable questions, construction of investigations into those questions, the collection of appropriate data, the evaluation of the meaning of those data, and the communication of this evaluation. B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of ''the scientific method.'' C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific knowledge. D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes, but also in its questions and explanations.

Define a problem based on a specific body of knowledge, for example: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science, and do the following:

Use tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data (this includes the use of measurement in metric and other systems, and also the generation and interpretation of graphical representations of data, including data tables and graphs)