ovary: Quick Facts

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Detailed cross-sectional illustration of a human ovary showing the stages of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, with labeled structures including primordial, primary, secondary, and mature follicles, a ruptured follicle releasing an ovum, and corpus luteum and albicans. An inset at the bottom shows the ovary's location in the female reproductive system.

Diagram showing the female reproductive system with labeled ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, alongside hormone pathways and the process from ovulation to fertilization and early embryo development.

Medical illustration showing a cross-section of the female reproductive system with labeled parts including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina, vulva, bladder, rectum, and surrounding anatomical structures.

Medical illustration showing a frontal section of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovary, fallopian tube, and associated ligaments, with anatomical structures labeled.

Major glands of the human endocrine system. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland and influences food intake, weight regulation, fluid intake and balance, thirst, body heat, and the sleep cycle. Pituitary hormones stimulate growth, egg and sperm development, milk secretion, and release of hormones by other glands. The pineal gland may play a significant role in sexual maturation and the circadian rhythm. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolic rate of tissues, stimulate the contraction of heart muscle, and are necessary for normal growth and brain development before birth and during infancy. Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. The adrenal glands regulate salt and water retention, some reactions of the immune system, and blood pressure. The islets of Langerhans regulate blood sugar levels. The ovaries and testes produce hormones that regulate the reproductive system and that produce male and female secondary sex characteristics.

The principal glands of the female and male human endocrine systems.

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rete ovarii ovarian follicle ovulation corpus luteum vitellarium corpus albicans oocyte Progesterone follicular epithelium ovarian cancer thyroid gland adrenal gland pancreas pituitary gland hypothalamus testis pineal gland thymus parathyroid gland kidney

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