Ovary

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Ovary

The ovary is an organ found in the female reproductive system that produces an ovum. When released, this travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus, where it may become fertilized by a sperm. There are typically two ovaries, each located on either side of the uterus.

Anatomy

The ovaries are located in the pelvic region and are component of the female reproductive system. They are typically oval in shape and about 4 cm x 3 cm x 2 cm in size. The ovary, positioned in the ovarian fossa, is an area that is bounded by the external iliac vessels and the obliterated umbilical artery. The ovarian fossa is the region that is inside the lateral wall of the pelvis. It is close to the side wall of the pelvis and to the pelvic inlet.

Function

The primary functions of the ovaries are egg production and the secretion of hormones. The ovaries secrete both estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is involved in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts, wider hips, pubic hair and armpit hair. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy, and the mammary glands for lactation. The ovaries also secrete relaxin to inhibit contraction of the uterus and to aid in childbirth, inhibin to inhibit the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone, and activins, which interact with follicle stimulating hormone for steroidogenesis.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the ovary include ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, ovarian torsion, and polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, there are several types of ovarian dysfunction such as anovulation, oligoovulation, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

See also

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD