Basic Human Anatomy

8-10. PRIMARY SEX ORGANS (OVARIES)

8-10. PRIMARY SEX ORGANS (OVARIES)

The primary sex organ in the human female is the ovary. See figure 8-4 for an illustration of the female genital system. The ovaries are located to the sides of the upper end of the uterus. They are anchored to the posterior surface of the broad ligaments. (The broad ligaments are sheets or folds of peritoneum enclosing the uterus and uterine tubes and extending to the sides of the pelvis.)

a. The ovary produces the egg cell or ovum (ova, plural).

b. The ovary produces female sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone).

c. The production of ova is cyclic. One ovum is released in each menstrual period, about 28 days.

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Ancillary Content and Online Version: David L. Heiserman
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