Ovary

For the ovary of a flower, see Gynoecium.

Ovary
The ovaries form part of the female reproductive system, and attach to the fallopian tubes
Blood supply of the human female reproductive organs. The left ovary is the oval shaped structure visible above the label "ovarian arteries".
Details
System	Female reproductive system
Artery	ovarian artery, uterine artery
Vein	ovarian vein
Nerve	ovarian plexus
Lymph	Paraaortic lymph node
Identifiers
Latin	ovarium
MeSH	D010053
TA	A09.1.01.001
FMA	7209
Anatomical terminology

Ovaries (singular: Ovary) are organs found in female organisms. Ovaries are part of the reproductive system needed to reproduce sexually.

Most vertebrate animals have two ovaries. Birds usually have only one working ovary; snakes have one ovary in front of the other. The ovaries are similar to testicles in male organisms.

Anatomy

Ovaries are shaped like ovals. They are around 3 cm by 1.5 cm by 1.5 cm. The ovaries are found in the side walls of the pelvis.

Each ovary is attached to a fallopian tube, each of which is attached to the uterus. Usually each ovary takes turns releasing eggs every month.

Uses

Ovaries have two purposes. They produce female sex hormones that help puberty take place. Ovaries also produce ova (also called "egg cells"), which are the female reproductive cells.

In menstruation

During menstruation, an ovum is released from the ovary and enters one of the fallopian tubes. There, the ovum can be fertilised. Ovaries have a certain number of eggs in them; when eggs stop being released, this is the start of the menopause. During this time, female hormones stop being produced.

Related pages

• Cervix
• Female reproductive system
• Vagina

Other websites

• Merck Online Medical Library: Female Reproductive System