Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
The ovary is an organ in the female reproductive system which produces and stores the egg cells.
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| A diagram showing the ovaries in the Female Reproductive System. |
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.
- Luteinizing Hormone causes the ovum to be released from the follicle.
About Ovaries as Endocrine Glands
- Ovaries secrete oestrogen which causes the expression of female characteristics during puberty including the widening of the hips, breast growth and the initiation of the menstrual cycle.