Ovary

The ovaries are the female primary gonads, located in the pelvic cavity. They have two key functions: gametogenesis, the production and release of oocytes (eggs) through ovulation; and steroidogenesis, the secretion of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, support pregnancy, and maintain female secondary sexual characteristics. The ovaries contain a finite number of follicles at birth.