What are the ovaries and what they are used for: main functions
While the testicles consist of the male sex glands, in the case of women the ovaries are the female sex glands. In the body of the woman we find two ovaries, which are found in the lower abdomen.
More specifically, they are located on both sides of the uterus, fixed by the utero-ovarian ligaments and to the pelvic wall itself by the pelvic infundibuli, and have the shape of an almond. They have a size of 1x2x3 centimeters in fertile women (although it is true that their size can vary during the cycle), and an approximate weight of between 6 to 7 grams per each. Its color is grayish white.
The hormones that the ovaries present are estrogens, which are responsible for the growth of the endometrium during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. While the hormone that prevents the shedding of the endometrium during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle is progesterone, which prevents the secretion of FSH from the pituitary gland.
With the help of these two hormones the ovum conceived or fertilized will end up implanted in the endometrium. That is to say, Both estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries, which precisely ensure the proper functioning of all sexual organs.
What are the ovaries?
As we have indicated briefly in the previous lines, the ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They consist of a pair of glands, which produce the ovules. They have an oval shape and are the size of an almond. We found them located just above the fallopian tubes, on the lateral wall of the pelvis, but without being attached to them.
- Where do we find the ovaries?: we found them located in the lower abdomen of the woman, on both sides of the uterus, specifically above the fallopian tubes.
- What is your size: present a size of 1x2x3 centimeters in fertile women.
- How much do they weigh: they have an approximate weight between 6 to 7 grams.
- What are the ovaries: they have a shape similar to an almond.
What the ovaries are for: main functions
The main function of the ovaries is the production of ovules. Thus, each month during ovulation, the right ovary or the left ovary produces a single mature ovule, which will detach during menstruation and be ready for fertilization by the man's sperm. However, during the period of ovulation there are between 10 and 20 follicles that are subjected to the maturation process. Then, the additional follicles are reabsorbed again before the ovulation process begins.
The normal menstrual cycle is the period between one menstruation and the next, dividing into two phases of similar duration, which are separated from each other by ovulation.
Another function of the ovaries is that of produce estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for the proper functioning of the sexual organs of women. While estrogen is the hormone that helps in the development of the different secondary sexual characteristics of the woman during puberty, as well as the one responsible for the maturation and maintenance of the reproductive organs, progesterone prevents the secretion of FSH from the hypophysis.
If you want to know more about the health of the ovaries, as well as the different diseases and disorders that can affect them, we encourage you to discover more about ovarian pain and painful ovulation.
