Structure of Ovaries

The ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located in the lower abdomen of females, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is connected to the uterus by the ovarian ligament and to the pelvic wall by the suspensory ligament.

Within the ovaries, there are thousands of tiny sacs called follicles, each containing an immature egg. These follicles are at different stages of development, with some in the resting phase and others undergoing maturation.

Function of Ovaries

1. Production of Eggs: The primary function of the ovaries is to produce eggs through a process called oogenesis. During each menstrual cycle, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries in a process known as ovulation.

2. Hormone Secretion: The ovaries secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining the health of the reproductive tissues.

3. Regulation of Secondary Sexual Characteristics: Estrogen, produced by the ovaries, plays a key role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Common Disorders

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition characterized by the growth of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, leading to hormonal imbalances and potential fertility issues.

2. Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can form on or within the ovaries, often causing pain and discomfort.

3. Ovarian Cancer: A type of cancer that originates in the ovaries, often diagnosed at a later stage due to the lack of early symptoms.

Study Tips

Review the stages of the menstrual cycle and the role of the ovaries in each phase.
Understand the hormonal feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Study the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the reproductive system and other body tissues.
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms, causes, and treatments of common ovarian disorders.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

The resources above cover the following skills:

Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.

Earth History: Explain how sedimentary rock is formed periodically, embedding plant and animal remains and leaving a record of the sequence in which the plants and animals appeared and disappeared.

Explain how sedimentary rock buried deep enough may be reformed by pressure and heat and these reformed rock layers may be forced up again to become land surface and even mountains.

Explain why some fossils found in the top layers of sedimentary rock are older then those found beneath in lower layers: Folding; Breaking; Uplift; Faulting; Tilting.