Ovary

The ovary is an organ in the female reproductive system that produces and releases eggs. It also produces hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and are important for pregnancy. The ovaries are located in the lower abdomen on either side of the uterus.

Ovum

An ovum is a female reproductive cell, also known as an egg. It is the largest cell in the human body. During fertilization, a sperm cell combines with an ovum to form a zygote.

Developing Follicles

Developing follicles are structures in the ovaries that contain immature eggs. They are stimulated to grow and mature by hormones. During ovulation, the mature follicle ruptures, releasing a mature egg for fertilization.

Early Corpus Luteum

The corpus luteum is a structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation. It secretes hormones, including progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. The early corpus luteum is the initial stage of this structure, and it is important for the early stages of pregnancy.

Ruptured Follicle

A ruptured follicle is a mature follicle that has released its egg during ovulation. This process is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. After the follicle ruptures, it forms a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces hormones to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

Corpus Luteum

The corpus luteum is a temporary glandular structure that develops in the ovary after ovulation. It secretes hormones, such as progesterone, that help to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and is eventually replaced by scar tissue.

Primary Follicle

Primary follicles are immature structures found in the ovaries. They consist of an immature egg surrounded by a layer of follicle cells. Under the influence of hormones, primary follicles can develop into mature follicles that can release a mature egg during ovulation.

Primordial Follicle

Primordial follicles are the most primitive stage of ovarian follicles. They consist of an immature egg, also known as an oocyte, surrounded by a single layer of follicle cells. These follicles are present in the ovaries from birth and can develop into primary follicles under the influence of hormones.

Corpus Albicans

Corpus albicans is a structure that forms in the ovary after the degeneration of the corpus luteum. It is composed of fibrous tissue and is white or pale in color. The corpus albicans is essentially scar tissue and has no function in reproduction.

Graffian Follicles

Graafian follicles are mature ovarian follicles that are ready to release a mature egg during ovulation. They are characterized by a fluid-filled cavity called an antrum and are surrounded by multiple layers of follicle cells.

Blood Vessels

Blood vessels in the ovary are important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the developing follicles and corpus luteum. The ovarian artery provides the main blood supply to the ovary, while the ovarian vein carries deoxygenated blood away from the ovary and back to the heart.