Ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs in your lower abdomen. There is one on each side of the uterus, and they are connected to the uterus with fallopian tubes. Ovaries have three key functions: They are glands and part of the endocrine system, so they produce and secrete multiple hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that are important for reproduction. They also host your egg cells since birth, and mature one dominant follicle that is then released during ovulation, awaiting fertilization. After ovulation, the remaining part of the follicle becomes a corpus luteum, a temporary gland that secretes progesterone and estradiol, preparing the body for pregnancy.
Sources:
- Gibson E. et al. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Ovary. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545187/ (accessed 8. August 2020)
- NHS UK. Ovarian cyst. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/ (accessed 8. August 2020)
- WebMD: The Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/endocrine-system-facts (accessed 31. July 2020)
