The structure and function of female ovaries

The ovaries are a pair of oval reproductive organs located on both sides of the uterus. It has a layer of epithelial tissue on the outside and a thin layer of connective tissue underneath. The internal structure of the ovary can be divided into the cortex and medulla.

The cortex is located in the peripheral part of the ovary and is mainly composed of follicles and connective tissue; the medulla is located in the center and is composed of loose connective tissue, which contains many blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves.

2. Ovaries

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.

3. Ovulation

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.