APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. the female reproductive organ, which produces ova (egg cells) and sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone). In humans, the two ovaries are almond-shaped organs normally located in the lower abdomen on either side of the upper end of the uterus, to which they are linked by the fallopian tubes. The ovaries of the prepubertal human female contain about 350,000 immature oocytes, of which fewer than 400 will develop into mature ova to be released at a rate of about one per month between menarche (first menstruation) and menopause. See oogenesis. See also graafian follicle; menstrual cycle. —ovarian adj.