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    From Reproductive System

    Female - Mons Pubis
    Fat pad over the pubic symphysis.
    Male - Spermatic Cord
    Contains vas deferens, blood vessels, and nerves.
    Male - Prostate Gland
    Secretes fluid that enhances sperm motility.
    Female - Ovarian Follicles
    Contain developing oocytes.
    Male - Epididymis
    Stores and matures sperm.
    Female - Clitoris
    Erectile organ involved in female sexual response.
    Female - Fimbriae
    Finger-like projections that guide egg into uterine tube.
    Female - Greater Vestibular (Bartholin's) Glands
    Secrete mucus for lubrication.
    Female - Body of Uterus
    Main central region.
    Male - Urethra
    Conducts semen and urine to the outside.
    Female - Hymen
    Membranous tissue partially covering vaginal opening.
    Male - Penis
    External organ for urination and copulation.
    Female - Endometrium
    Inner mucosal lining of the uterus.
    Female - Fundus of Uterus
    Top portion of uterus above uterine tubes.
    Female - Round Ligament of Uterus
    Maintains anteversion of uterus.
    Male - Scrotum
    External sac that holds and protects the testes.
    Female - Ovarian Ligament
    Connects ovary to uterus.
    Male - Prepuce (Foreskin)
    Covers and protects the glans penis.
    Male - Vas Deferens
    Transports sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct.
    Female - Uterus
    Houses and nourishes the developing fetus.
    Female - Labia Majora
    Outer folds of skin surrounding vaginal opening.
    Female - Cervix
    Lower narrow portion opening into vagina.
    Male - Corpus Cavernosum
    Paired erectile tissue bodies in penis.
    Female - Vestibule of Vagina
    Space between labia minora containing openings.
    Male - Testes
    Primary male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.

    Female - Ovaries

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Primary female reproductive organs that produce oocytes and hormones.

    1. Overview

    The ovaries are paired, almond-shaped organs in the female reproductive system responsible for producing oocytes (eggs) and secreting sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. As both endocrine and exocrine glands, they play a central role in ovulation, menstruation, and hormonal regulation of the reproductive cycle. The ovaries are also essential for female sexual development and fertility.

    2. Location

    The ovaries are located in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus. They lie posterior to the broad ligament and are attached to the lateral pelvic wall by the suspensory ligament of the ovary and to the uterus by the ovarian ligament. Each ovary is situated near the fimbriae of the fallopian tube, which captures the oocyte at ovulation.

    3. Structure

    Each ovary is approximately 3–5 cm long, 1.5–3 cm wide, and 1–1.5 cm thick in reproductive-aged women. Its structure includes:

    • Germinal epithelium: A thin outermost layer of cuboidal cells covering the ovary, continuous with the peritoneum.

    • Tunica albuginea: A dense connective tissue layer beneath the epithelium, providing structural support.

    • Cortex: The outer region containing numerous ovarian follicles in various stages of development, stromal cells, and corpus luteum or corpus albicans depending on the cycle phase.

    • Medulla: The central region composed of loose connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

    The ovary’s appearance and contents vary with age and menstrual phase. In postmenopausal women, the ovaries become smaller and fibrotic.

    4. Function

    The ovaries perform two key biological functions:

    • Gametogenesis: Production and maturation of oocytes through the process of oogenesis, culminating in ovulation each menstrual cycle.

    • Hormone secretion: Synthesis and release of sex hormones, primarily:

      • Estrogens: Promote development of secondary sexual characteristics and regulate the menstrual cycle.

      • Progesterone: Prepares the endometrium for implantation and supports early pregnancy.

      • Inhibin and relaxin: Regulate FSH secretion and aid in pregnancy-related changes.

    5. Physiological Role(s)

    The ovaries are central to female reproductive physiology:

    • Ovarian cycle: Each month, under the influence of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary, follicles develop. One dominant follicle matures and ovulates, while the remainder undergo atresia.

    • Ovulation: Mid-cycle LH surge causes the mature (Graafian) follicle to rupture, releasing an oocyte into the fallopian tube.

    • Corpus luteum formation: The ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining for potential implantation.

    • Hormonal feedback loop: Ovarian hormones exert positive and negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to regulate the menstrual cycle.

    • Puberty and menopause: Estrogen from the ovaries triggers puberty; eventual depletion of follicles leads to menopause and cessation of menstrual cycles.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Several disorders and clinical conditions affect the ovaries:

    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder causing irregular ovulation, multiple small cysts, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. Often associated with insulin resistance.

    • Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the ovary, commonly functional (follicular or luteal) but sometimes pathological (e.g., dermoid cysts, endometriomas).

    • Ovarian torsion: Twisting of the ovary on its ligamentous supports, compromising blood flow. Presents as acute pelvic pain and requires emergency surgical intervention.

    • Ovarian cancer: A serious gynecologic malignancy, often detected late due to vague symptoms. Includes epithelial, germ cell, and stromal subtypes. Screening and early detection remain challenging.

    • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Early depletion or dysfunction of follicles before age 40, leading to irregular menses or infertility.

    • Infertility: Conditions such as anovulation, diminished ovarian reserve, or luteal phase defects can impair fertility. Assessment includes hormone levels (FSH, LH, AMH), ultrasound, and ovulation tracking.

    • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): A risk of fertility treatments, involving swollen, painful ovaries and fluid imbalance due to excessive response to gonadotropins.

    The ovaries are regularly evaluated through pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasound, hormone testing, and surgical techniques like laparoscopy in gynecologic and fertility practice.

    Did you know? The ovaries release one egg per month during ovulation, which can be fertilized by sperm.