A reproductive organ, and an endocrine gland OVARIES A reproductive organ, and an endocrine gland

Where are the ovaries located? The ovaries are located in the pelvis, on either side of the uterus. They are connected to each other through the fallopian tubes. Each ovary is roughly the size on an almond.

Animation of the process of fertilization: http://www.mydr.com.au/babies-pregnancy/animation- fertilisation-of-egg-by-sperm Answer the following questions: Where are eggs produced? Where are eggs fertilized? Where do eggs go after they are fertilized?

What key hormones do the ovaries use/produce? Estrogen Progesterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Each of these four hormones have their own special tasks to complete!

FSH and LH FSH is a hormone that : LH is a hormone that Is produced in pituitary gland Is carried to ovaries through blood Causes an egg to mature in the ovary Stimulates ovaries to release the hormone estrogen LH is a hormone that Is produced in the pituitary gland Causes the mature egg to be released from the ovary (into the fallopian tubes) Transforms follicles that have released an egg into CORPUS LUTEUM CORPUS LUTEUM IS THE SITE OF PROGESTERONE PRODUCTION FSH and LH

PROGESTERONE Progesterone’s main purpose is to promote the survival and development of the fetus. Progesterone levels tend to rise and fall dramatically. During ovulation, Progesterone levels sky rocket, in order to promote pregnancy. Once progesterone levels fall again, the cycle repeats itself. If a woman fails to ovulate during her cycle, it is most likely because of little progesterone production. When progesterone levels decrease, estrogen levels increase. This imbalance can be toxic.

ESTROGEN Estrogen is extremely important in the growth and development of the female body. Controls growth of the endomertium (uterine lining) during the menstrual cycle in preparation of a fertilized egg Estrogen is secreted from a mature follicle Stops the production of FSH (so you only have one mature egg) Stimulates pituitary gland to release LH

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aq a_pre_2011/human/hormonesrev3.shtml *Video of FSH and LH levels

The Female Menstrual Cycle Phase Description of Events Hormone Produced Days flow Menstruation (bleeding) 1-5 follicular Follicles Develop in Ovaries estrogen 6-13 ovulation Oocyte bursts form ovary 14 luteal Corpus Luteum forms, endometrium thickens Estrogen and progesterone 15-28 Approximately 1 egg matures after each menstrual cycle. 1 egg each month!

PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Cells grow in order to build tissues. Tissues build organs. PCOS, is the rapid production of cells. All unused cells build and form tissue cysts. These tissue cysts cause the ovaries to shut down. No ovaries = no eggs. No eggs = infertility.

QUIZ 1. How are the ovaries connected? a.) through the pelvis b.) through the fallopian tubes c.) through the blood d.) all of the above ANSWER: B

2. Which of the following is not produced nor used by the ovaries. a 2. Which of the following is not produced nor used by the ovaries? a.) FSH b.) Estrogen c.) ADH d.) Progesterone ANSWER : C

3. In comparison to Adrenaline, Progesterone is a fast- acting hormone 3. In comparison to Adrenaline, Progesterone is a fast- acting hormone. TRUE FALSE ANSWER : FALSE

4. All ovarian cysts are cancerous and dangerous. TRUE FALSE ANSWER : FALSE

5. Which of the following is not one of the four phases of the female menstrual cycle? a.) Flow phase b.) Follicular phase c.) Corpus phase d.) Luteal phase e.) Ovulation phase ANSWER : C

Work Cited http://www.advancedfertility.com/pcos-fertility- treatment.htm http://www.breastnexus.com/showthread.php?tid=5161 &highlight=fibroid http://www.natural-progesterone-advisory- network.com/what-does-progesterone-do/ http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/estrogen