Ovaries

The ovaries are a pair of small, oval-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus in the female reproductive system. They are responsible for producing eggs (ova) and secreting the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Anatomy of the Ovaries

The ovaries are composed of three main types of cells: the germ cells, which give rise to the eggs; the granulosa cells, which surround and nurture the developing eggs; and the theca cells, which produce hormones.

Functions of the Ovaries

• Egg Production: The ovaries start to produce eggs when a female reaches puberty. Each month, one egg is released from one of the ovaries during the menstrual cycle.
• Hormone Secretion: The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and maintenance of pregnancy.

Common Disorders of the Ovaries

Some common disorders of the ovaries include:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
2. Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries.
3. Ovarian cancer: Abnormal cell growth in the ovaries that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about the ovaries:

1. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and secreting the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

2. They are composed of germ cells, granulosa cells, and theca cells.

3. Common disorders of the ovaries include PCOS, ovarian cysts, and ovarian cancer.