The Ovaries Flashcards
1
Q
What are the ovaries?
A
- 2 almond shaped organs
- found in the pelvic cavity
- and held in position by ligaments
2
Q
What surrounds each ovary?
A
- a layer of germinal epithelium
3
Q
What are embedded in the outer layer of the ovaries?
A
- primary follicles
4
Q
What are primary follicles?
A
- tiny sac-like structures
- containing an immature egg
5
Q
When is the total number of eggs carried by a female determined and why?
A
- at birth
- because females are born with all of their primary follicles
6
Q
What does a primary follicle develop into?
A
- a mature follicle
7
Q
What is a mature follicle called?
A
- a Graafian follicle
8
Q
When does the Graafian follicle form the corpus luteum?
A
- after ovulation (the release of an egg)
9
Q
What are the functions of the ovaries?
A
- To form and release eggs
- To produce oestrogen and progesterone
