Ovary

Structure

Each ovary is about three centimeters long. Its outer cortex contains follicles at various stages of development, while the inner medulla holds blood vessels and connective tissue.

Function

Each cycle, a dominant follicle matures and bursts to release an egg into the abdomen, where the fallopian tube catches it. The empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum and produces progesterone.

Clinical note

Ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer often develop without symptoms, making the organ a difficult one to screen.