L3.3.1: Ovaries

• Ovaries (Primary reproductive Organ)

  Produce an exocrine product (eggs or ova) and;

  ● Endocrine products (estrogen and progesterone) where:

  ➔ Estrogen = Responsible mainly for secondary sex characteristics

  ➔ Progesterone = Responsible mainly for pregnancy

  ● There are 2 ovaries (Singular = Ovary) and they are almond shaped, but are 2x larger
• Ovarian Follicles

  ● Each contain an oocyte (immature egg)

  ● Each oocyte is surrounded by 1 or more than 1 layer of follicle cells

  ● Primary Follicle: Follicle with immature oocyte

  ● Vesicular (Graafian) Follicle: Mature follicle with mature egg
• Ovulation

  ● When egg matures, it is ejected from the ovary

  ● Occurs every 28 days, but it can occur for more or less days for some women

  After ovulation

  ● Ruptured follicle is transformed to a structure called the:

  ➔ Corpus Luteum (“Yellow Body”) - Produces hormones and later

  degenerates
• Structures for Ovary Support

  • Suspensory Ligaments
  • Ovarian Ligaments
  • Broad Ligaments
• Suspensory Ligaments

  Secure the ovaries to the lateral walls of the pelvis
• Ovarian Ligaments

  Anchor the ovaries to the uterus medially
• Broad Ligaments

  A fold of peritoneum that encloses and holds the ovaries in place
• Ovaries – Primary Sex Organ

  ○ Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen and

  progesterone).

  ○ Estrogen: Main hormone that produces secondary sex characteristics; Progesterone - plays a role in pregnancy.

  ○ Each ovary houses ovarian follicles consisting of:

  ■ Oocyte: immature egg

  ■ Follicle cells: layers of different cells that surround the oocyte and play a role in the maturation of the egg.
• Ovarian Follicles

  ○ Primary Follicle: contains an immature oocyte

  ○ Vesicular (Graafian) Follicle: Growing follicle with a maturing oocyte

  ○ Ovulation: The follicle ruptures when the egg is mature and ready to be ejected from the ovary; occurs about every 28 days.

  ○ Ruptured Follicle is transformed into a corpus luteum.
• Ovary Support – Ligaments that help maintain its shape

  ○ Suspensory Ligaments secure the ovaries to the lateral walls of the pelvis

  ○ Ovarian Ligaments anchor ovaries to the uterus medially

  ○ Broad Ligaments, a fold of peritoneum, enclose and hold the ovaries in place.