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    Related Topics

    From Reproductive System

    Female - Ampulla of Uterine Tube
    Site of fertilization.
    Male - Tunica Albuginea
    Fibrous covering of the testes.
    Female - Labia Majora
    Outer folds of skin surrounding vaginal opening.
    Male - Testes
    Primary male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.
    Male - Spermatic Cord
    Contains vas deferens, blood vessels, and nerves.
    Female - Endometrium
    Inner mucosal lining of the uterus.
    Male - Rete Testis
    Network of tubules within the testis.
    Female - Prepuce of Clitoris
    Skin fold covering clitoris.
    Male - Prostate Gland
    Secretes fluid that enhances sperm motility.
    Male - Corpus Spongiosum
    Erectile tissue surrounding urethra.
    Female - Vestibule of Vagina
    Space between labia minora containing openings.
    Female - Round Ligament of Uterus
    Maintains anteversion of uterus.
    Female - Vaginal Orifice
    External opening of the vagina.
    Female - Perimetrium
    Outer serous covering of the uterus.
    Female - Ovarian Follicles
    Contain developing oocytes.
    Female - Infundibulum
    Funnel-shaped end of uterine tube near ovary.
    Female - Isthmus of Uterine Tube
    Narrow segment near uterus.
    Female - Glans Clitoris
    Exposed portion of clitoris.
    Female - Fimbriae
    Finger-like projections that guide egg into uterine tube.
    Female - Broad Ligament
    Supports uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
    Female - Myometrium
    Thick muscular layer of the uterus.
    Female - Fundus of Uterus
    Top portion of uterus above uterine tubes.
    Female - Vagina
    Canal from cervix to external body birth canal.
    Female - Labia Minora
    Inner folds of skin surrounding vestibule.
    Male - Seminal Vesicles
    Produce seminal fluid that nourishes sperm.

    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 testes are located in the scrotum, outside the body, to maintain a temperature lower than the body’s temperature for sperm production.