Ovaries

The female ovaries are two almond-shaped bodies about 1 1/8 inches (3.5 centimeters) long which lie on either side of the pelvis.  Each ovary contains two different kinds of glandular structures: the graafian follicles, which secrete estrogen, and the corpus luteum, which secrete progesterone, but also some estrogen.

The hormone estrogen influences the development of feminine characteristics and the maturation of the female sex organs.  Progesterone influences the development of the mammary glands and prepared the uterus for egg implantation.

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