Ovaries: location, structure, functions, diseases

The ovaries in women are responsible for the production of female sex hormones, as well as the formation and maturation of oocytes. These paired glands located in the pelvic cavity. Depending on the age of the woman of their size and structure may vary. The reproductive period of the sexual glands are much larger in volume than with menopause. To monitor their health, it is advisable to undergo regular gynecological examination.

Where are the ovaries in women

The ovaries are located in the pelvis on both sides of the uterus, leaving a little earlier. The surface of the gland called the medial directed towards the pelvic cavity. The lateral surface adjacent to the pelvic wall. Since iron is mounted slidably, ovaries in women location may vary slightly, for example, during pregnancy. The increasing size of the uterus begins to push them up.

The right ovary

Right organ located on the right side of the uterus. One end of it is fixed to the body, the other located toward the opening of the fallopian tube. Right ovary often has a larger size and weight than the left. This is not a deviation from the norm. Color and shape of the glands do not differ.

left ovary

The left body is located on the left side of the uterus. Gland attached asymmetrically, one of them is higher. Together with the fallopian tubes, they are called appendages in women.

How are the ovaries

In the absence of pathologies iron has an elongated ovoid shape. Color - slightly pinkish. As a result, ovulation and the formation of corpora lutea scars on the surface appear in the form of hillocks.

Normal size body:

• length 20-40 mm;
• width of 15-25 mm;
• thickness of 15-25 mm.

Ovarian weight in women is 5-10 g With age, their size may vary. During menopause, prostate cease to function, they become denser and reduced in size.

Maintaining the position of the glands in the pelvic cavity is provided by the ligaments of the ovary. En ligament extends between the lower end of the gland and the lateral side of the uterus. Appendicular-ovarian considered unstable and occurs in about one-third of women. Voronko-pelvic ligament ovary stretched between the side wall of the pelvis and the upper edge of the gland.

The structure of the ovary

Outside agencies are covered by the germinal epithelium. Next layer - the dense tunica albuginea, which are arranged elastic fibers. Next is a basic substance, called parenchyma.

It is separated into two layers:

1. The outer (cortex). The denser layer rich in connective tissue, which contains the maturing follicles.
2. Internal (medulla). This layer is located in the center of the gland. It consists of loose connective tissue containing blood vessels and nerves.

In the cortex, which is part of the anatomy of ovarian parenchyma, located vesicular follicles and primary follicles maturing. Located on the maturity stage of the follicle reaches a centimeter in size. It consists of the liquid contents and a shell - theca.

Ripening, the follicle approaches the surface of the gland. In the ovulation period of its shell bursts, after which the egg together with the content of the follicle enters the abdominal cavity. Further, it is captured fimbriae of the fallopian tube and extends into the opening thereof.

ovarian function

Production of sex hormones and egg cells in women begins with the first menstrual period of time. These processes continue throughout the reproductive age.

You can select the basic functions of the gonads:

1. hormone - development of female sex hormones.
2. generative - the formation of eggs.
3. vegetative - Formation of the primary and secondary sexual characteristics.

Important! Production of sex hormones continues throughout the menstrual period.

The development of these organs begins in the second month of pregnancy and continues until the beginning of the menstrual period. Work glands is to prepare the woman's body for conception and gestation. If fertilization does not occur, the loop is played again. This continues throughout the entire menstrual period.

ovarian blood supply

Blood to the gonads of female ovarian artery and branches of the uterine artery. The used blood is removed through the ovarian venous plexus near his gate. The lymph movement involved lumbar lymph nodes.

ovarian artery

Ovarian artery departs from the abdominal aorta. In many cases, the two are one artery trunk. Ovarian artery and extends downwardly along the front surface should be large psoas muscle. Next it crosses the ureter, the external iliac vessels and should be in the pelvic cavity.

Artery bypasses sheets uterus broad ligament below the fallopian tubes, part of the mesentery of the ovary, it passes into his gates, and then branches.

What are hormones produced by the ovaries

Genital cancer in women are responsible for the production of steroid hormones. The concentration of these compounds varies depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle.

ovarian hormones in women divided into three groups:

1. Estrogens (estradiol, estriol, estrone). These hormones are produced by the follicle. Maximum synthesis to the period before ovulation. Estrogens affect the vagina and uterus, stimulate development of mammary glands. They also normalize the mineral and carbohydrate metabolism.
2. Gestagens (progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone). Hormones of this group are synthesized by the corpus luteum. They are necessary for the process of conception, promotion of the embryo into the uterus and the further course of pregnancy. Especially great need for gestagen during the first trimester.
3. Androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione). This male sex hormones, which in small quantities are produced by the ovaries. In case of violation of their balance in a woman's body is a violation of the menstrual cycle, which becomes a cause of infertility.

The ovaries produce hormones that are required for normal functioning of the female reproductive system. Failures in their work start fraught with menstrual irregularities, infertility and premature menopause.

ovarian disease

In view of pathological processes and the impact of adverse factors in women may experience dysfunction. Against the background of such violations occur hormonal changes, there are problems with the menstrual cycle. Dysfunction sometimes becomes impetus to the development of malignant tumors of the genital organs and mammary glands, and other diseases.

If there is a genetic predisposition may develop ovarian failure syndrome. In this case, a woman who has not attained 35 years of age, stops working follicular apparatus.

The symptoms of problems with the ovaries in women

As soon as possible to detect abnormalities of the ovaries, women are recommended every six months, a pelvic exam. However, the presence of anxiety symptoms should go to the doctor immediately.

These complaints include:

• pain in the abdomen;
• menstrual irregularities (irregular, heavy, or too scanty menses, amenorrhea for six months or more);
• bleeding from the vagina;
• failure to maintain pregnancy (miscarriage, premature birth, fetal fading).

The presence of any of the above symptoms requires treatment to the doctor. Serious diseases of the female ovaries make it impossible conception and normal pregnancy.

How do the ovaries in women

One of the functions of the ovaries in the female body - to develop eggs. Glands stop working during pregnancy. At this time, it attached to the body yellow body, whose task is to develop progesterone during the first trimester. A few months after giving birth egg production in women continues.

As the ovaries produce an egg

The egg matures in a bubble filled with liquid, which is called the follicle. It is formed in the outer layer parenchyma - cortex.

The growth and development of follicles starts on the first day of menstruation. One of them mature faster and grow in size, becoming dominant. It will continue to grow until the egg is ovulation. The growth of the remaining follicles stops.

As the release of the egg from the ovary

During oocyte maturation is protected walls and internal environment of the follicle. The process of its output is called ovulation.

ovum from the ovary is accompanied by rupture of the follicle. As a result of its contents into the peritoneal cavity, and then - in the fallopian tube.

After the follicle burst, the recess is formed, filled with blood. It begins to form the corpus luteum. Its diameter is up to one and a half centimeters. If, after the release of the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum increases to 2 centimeters and produces progesterone. This function is maintained as long as the production of hormones will not take the placenta.

If fertilization has not occurred, the corpus luteum, which is produced in the ovaries, reaches not more than 1.5 cm. Subsequently, it is replaced by connective tissue and becomes a whitish body. Then that entity dissolves, leaving a scar on the ovary. With age, the number of scars on the glands increases.

What ovary ovulate

With the onset of menstruation in the gonads in females begin to develop the follicles. One of them becomes dominant. It increases in size, while the other development is suspended. It was in this follicle is ripening the egg. What ovary formed the dominant follicle, and that ovulation occurs.

At what age ovaries stop producing hormones

The sex glands begin to actively operate from the beginning of puberty. They continue to produce hormones before menopause. On average, menopause comes at the age of 49-51 years.

In some cases, the symptoms of menopause may occur before this age. Then doctors put depleted ovary syndrome. In these women's diseases appendages gland stops producing hormones. In order to maintain hormonal balance and prevent the development of comorbidities appointed replacement therapy.

conclusion

Ovaries in females are located in the pelvic cavity. Their functions are to hormone production, egg formation, formation of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. They are actively working with puberty to menopause. Upon detection of these alarming symptoms, such as abdominal pain, menstrual disorders and the presence of bleeding should immediately consult a doctor.