Ovary

Contents

Key Stage 3

Meaning

The ovary is an organ in the female reproductive system which produces and stores the egg cells.

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 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.