Anatomy of the Ovary
An ovary is small and looks like an almond. There are two of them in a woman’s pelvis. One is located on either side of the uterus.
The ovaries have two main roles. The first is to make female hormones. The second is to store eggs. Every month during a woman’s reproductive years, an ovary releases an egg. The egg travels to the uterus through a fallopian tube. The ovaries also make most of the female hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. These hormones control the development of certain parts of a female. For example, they control the development of the breasts, body shape, and body hair. They also control the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Front View of the Female Reproductive System
(Courtesy of Jones and Bartlett Publishers)
Structure of the Ovary
(Courtesy of Jones and Bartlett Publishers)
