The ovaries are basically glands that are an integral part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries resemble the shape and size of almond, and they are placed right above the fallopian tube. Each ovary lies on each sides of the uterus. During the process of ovulation every month, either of the ovaries produces one mature egg for regular fertilization.
The primary function of the ovaries is to contain as well as nurture the lifetime complement of female ova.
The ovaries are also known as the ovum-producing reproductive organs that are found in a female reproductive system. The functions of ovaries in women are homologous to that of the function of testes in men. These are both endocrine glands and gonads.
The hormones progesterone and estrogen are released from the ovaries. Estrogen is primarily responsible for the appearance of the secondary sex features of females at the time of puberty, and is also responsible for the maturation as well as the maintenance of reproductive organs as they attain their functional stage. Progesterone along with estrogen promotes the cyclic changes in endometrium, and this in turn helps in maintaining the endometrium in a good condition during the time of pregnancy.
|