Ovulation

The sex cells (or eggs) are produced by the ovaries, which are the essential sex organs of women. The eggs are transported and protected once they leave the ovaries, by the accessory structures, which also serve to nourish and protect the embryo if fertilization occurs.

The Ovaries

The ovaries are the parts of the female reproductive system that produce and release mature eggs. The female body contains two ovaries that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries are glands nodules that after puberty, have a rough surface, irregular and resemble a large almond in size and shape. The surface of the ovary is covered with epithelial tissue. Under the epithelium there are thousands of microscopic structures called ovarian follicles, which are embedded in a matrix of connective tissue known as stoma. The follicles contain eggs and, after puberty, are present in various stages of development.

The ovaries have two primary functions:

They produce and store the female gametes (eggs) that are contained in small spheres, called primary follicles (primordial follicles).
They also act as endocrine glands, releasing the female sex hormone, estrogens (primarily estradiol) and progesterone.

Last updated: 10/02/2012