The
ovaries are two glands in the female body that produce reproductive
cells (eggs) and hormones.
In pre-menopausal
women, the ovaries periodically release eggs which travel
into the uterus or womb. In preparation, the uterus builds
up a thick wall lined with blood-rich tissue. Pregnancy occurs
if the egg is fertilized by sperm from a male and lodges in
the uterus as an embryo. If the egg is not fertilized, both
it and the uterine tissue are discharged (menstruation).
The ovaries also produce at least two known
hormones, estrogen
and progesterone.
These hormones are responsible preparing the uterus for pregnancy,
and for the development and maintenance of female characteristics
such as growth of breasts.
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain |