What are the ovaries responsible for in females?

The ovaries play a crucial role in the female reproductive system primarily by producing eggs, which are essential for reproduction. Each month, during a woman's menstrual cycle, ovaries release an egg during ovulation. This egg can be fertilized by sperm, leading to conception.

In addition to egg production, the ovaries are also responsible for hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which regulate various functions within the female body, including menstrual cycles and pregnancy. However, while both egg and hormone production are essential functions of the ovaries, the most direct and defining responsibility attributed specifically to the ovaries is the production of eggs. Therefore, focusing on their primary reproductive function is critical for understanding their role in female physiology.