Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
The ovary is an organ in the female reproductive system which produces and stores the egg cells.
About the Ovary
- There are two ovaries in a female.
- The ovaries release one ovum every 28 days.
- Each ovary takes a turn to release the ovum each month, but in some female humans both ovaries release an ovum at the same time which can lead to twins.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
The ovaries are organs in the female reproductive system and endocrine glands in the endocrine system.
About Ovaries in the Female Reproductive System
- The ovaries are where the ova are stored.
- During the menstrual cycle follicle stimulating hormone causes a follicle in the ovary grow and a single ovum to mature.
- Luteinising Hormone causes the ovum to be released from the follicle.
About Ovaries as Endocrine Glands
- Ovaries secrete a hormone called oestrogen.
- Oestrogen causes the expression of female characteristics during puberty including the widening of the hips, breast growth and the initiation of the menstrual cycle.
References
AQA
- Ovaries, page 182, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
- Ovaries, page 208, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
- Ovaries, pages 160-161, 168-169, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Ovaries, pages 61, 63, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Ovaries, pages 73, 77, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Ovaries, pages12, 13, 17, 18, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 2, Hodder, AQA
- Ovary, ovaries, pages 191, 208-9, 250, GCSE Biology; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Ovary, ovaries; follicle, page 208-9, GCSE Biology; Student Book, Collins, AQA
Edexcel
- Ovaries, page 142, GCSE Biology, Pearson, Edexcel
- Ovaries, pages 225, 230, GCSE Biology, CGP, Edexcel
- Ovaries, pages 77, 79, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel