Female Ovarian Anatomy and Function: Egg Production and Release

Ovaries: Structure and Role

Women have two ovaries, almond-shaped, located lateral to the uterus in the ovarian fossa. Each ovary:

• Contains primordial follicles (oocytes arrested in prophase I).
• Produces steroid hormones (estradiol, progesterone, inhibin).
• Releases one mature ovum monthly (ovulation) into the fallopian tube.

Ovarian function is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (GnRH → FSH/LH).