Ovaries

Ovaries are the female gonads, a crucial organ of the female reproductive system.

Ovaries are present in females in the ovarian fossa. They are whitish and run alongside the lateral wall in the uterus. The size of the region is approximately 2 to 5.5 cm long, 1.5 to 3 cm wide, and up to 1.5 cm thick. Its structure reveals that the ovary is surrounded by a capsule with an inner medulla and an outer cortex. Every menstrual cycle occurs in one of the two ovaries that release eggs. 

Origin

Ovaries develop from three different layers:

• Mesothelium (coelomic epithelium)
• Primordial germ cells
• Mesenchyme (intermediate mesoderm)

Location

The ovaries lie in a shallow depression referred to as the ovarian fossa. There is one on every facet of the uterus.

Characteristic of Ovaries and Function as an Endocrine Gland

• Ovaries maintain the health of the female reproductive system.
• In addition to their role in producing ova, the ovaries are an endocrine gland because they secrete hormones—normally oestrogen and progesterone—which might be critical to regular reproductive improvement and fertility.
• Ovaries are considered necessary in pregnancy and fertility since they can regulate hormones. When egg cells (oocytes) are released from the fallopian tube, a ramification of remarks mechanisms stimulates the endocrine gland, which motivates hormone stages to alternate. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control these comment mechanisms. Messages from the hypothalamus are sent to the pituitary gland. In turn, the pituitary gland releases hormones to the ovaries. From this signalling, the ovaries release their hormones.

Ovarian Diseases

These include ovarian cysts, ovarian cancers, menstrual cycle problems, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome- polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that women can get during their childbearing years.PCOS can affect your pregnancy because-  

• unwanted body and facial hair
• Cause acne
• Raise your risk of other health problems like blood pressure etc.
• Stop your periods 

Ovarian Structure in a Female

• Ligaments: Each ovarian section is situated on both sides of the uterus inside the peritoneal cavity. They are well-connected with the fibrous cord, called the ovarian ligament. The ovarian ligament, fallopian tube, ovarian blood vessels, and mesovarium form the ovarian pedicle. Fallopian tubes are Also called uterine tubes/oviducts. One pair of muscular tubes, each about 10 – 12 cm in length. It is divided into the following parts.

    (i) Infundibulum:- Funnel-shaped part near the ovary, having an aperture called ostium. Its terminal part has finger-like processes called Fimbriae.

    (ii) Ampulla:- Curved swollen part behind infundibulum. Fertilisation takes place here.

    (iii) Isthmus:- Narrow straight part.

    (iv) Uterine part:- It passes into the uterine wall.

•     Ectopic pregnancy / Tubic pregnancy:- Sometimes implantation & development of embryo occurs in the fallopian tube. By the sixth week, it can cause rupture of the fallopian tube so immediate surgical removal is required.

• Microanatomy: The top of the ovaries is covered with a membrane called an ovarian pedicle. It is composed of simple cuboidal-to-columnar-shaped mesothelium. The ovarian cortex is made of stroma, and ovarian follicles are the outer layer of the ovary. The cumulus oophorus, Zona pellucida, Membrana granulosa, primary oocyte, and corona radiata are follicles. These contain liquor Folliculi, antrum, and theca of the follicle. Lymphatics and blood vessels are also found in the human ovaries.

Function of Ovaries

When a child hits puberty, the ovary starts producing more hormones. As a result, the sex traits emerge. When the menstruation cycle begins, the ovary’s role and structure change. 

However, they have the power to control hormones as they are crucial for infertility and pregnancy. The feedback mechanisms are responsible for activating the endocrine system to control the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The pituitary gland also releases hormones in the ovaries.

Testes

Testes are male gonads vital in the male reproductive system.

Location

Testes look like twin oval-shaped organs. They are located within the scrotum. The scrotum is a loose pouch-like skin that hangs outside and behind the penis. The location makes testes vulnerable to injuries as they do not have any muscles or bones to shield themselves. 

However, the location helps maintain the temperature of testes. They require a lower temperature than the normal body temperature for healthier sperm production.

Torsioned Testicles (testes diseases)

Torsioned testicles are complex conditions of testicular torsion where the spermatic cord gets twisted, which brings it down towards the scrotum. Since the testicles are twisted, it reduces the blood flow, leading to swelling and pain. Males between the ages of 12 to 18 mostly experience this condition that requires surgery to avoid severe and long-lasting damage.

Conclusion

Ovaries, the female gonads, are a crucial organ of the female reproductive device. They are whitish and run alongside the lateral wall in the uterus. Testes, the male gonads, produce sperms. Testes are considered both endocrine and exocrine glands because instead of releasing substances into the bloodstream, it releases them in the duct. Ovaries are considered necessary in pregnancy and fertility since they can regulate hormones. When egg cells (oocytes) are released from the fallopian tube, a ramification of remarks mechanisms stimulates the endocrine gland, which motivates hormone stages to alternate. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control these comment mechanisms.