What are the functions of the ovaries? Two major features worth noting

The ovaries are very important organs for female friends. Generally speaking, female friends are very concerned about the function of their ovaries. So, what are the functions of the ovaries?

1. Reproductive function

Except for pregnancy and lactation, the ovaries of women of childbearing age undergo cyclical changes and release eggs once a month, with ovulation usually occurring on the 14th to 16th day of the menstrual cycle. The egg cell is secreted and discharged from the follicles in the ovary. Among the development of several follicles, usually only one matures, so only one egg matures every month. The egg survives for several hours after ovulation. At this time, if the egg enters the fallopian tube and meets the sperm, it will be fertilized and become a pregnant egg (fertilized egg).

The ovaries are like a "small garden" inside the mother's body. It was formed when the mother was young, and there are many "seeds" hidden inside it. As the mother grows up, the "seeds" also grow slowly. What do the "seeds" rely on to grow? The environment around the "garden" - the environment inside the mother's body is very important, just like a real "garden", without a good climate and air quality, the "seeds" cannot thrive. Therefore, the mother's health can ensure the good quality of the "seeds".

In addition, the "garden" needs to be fertilized regularly. The estrogen and progesterone (or progesterone) secreted by the ovaries are equivalent to this kind of fertilizer. The main function of estrogen is to promote the growth and development of female reproductive organs and the appearance of female secondary sexual characteristics; the main function of progesterone is to promote the continued growth and development of the endometrium on the basis of the action of estrogen, preparing for the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. Therefore, only with moderate fertilization and watering can the "seeds" grow better.

The "seed" grew and matured, and finally one day it left the "garden" that gave birth to it and went to another place - the fallopian tube, waiting for the arrival of sperm.

Oocytes (eggs) are produced by follicles, which is one of the functions of the ovaries. When a baby girl is born, each ovary contains about 750,000 primordial follicles. As she ages, most of the primordial follicles gradually disintegrate and disappear. Starting from puberty, a certain number of follicles grow and develop each month, but usually only one follicle matures (in about 28 days) and ovulates. The diameter of a mature follicle can reach about 1 cm and protrude from the surface of the ovary.

2. Endocrine function

In addition to the two main steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, the ovaries also secrete small amounts of androgens.