Ovary
The ovary (pl: ovaries) is the female sex organ that produces ovums in a vertebrate reproductive system.[1]
Unlike the male sex glands, testes, the ovaries are located inside of the body in the abdomen.
The ovaries are apart of the endocrine system, a network in the body that releases hormones into the bloodstream. The hormones released by the ovaries allows the individual to mature through their physical appearance, thoughts, and behavior.[2] The ovaries release sex hormones called estrogens, while males release androgens, mainly testosterone. Within the class of estrogens, a hormone called "estradiol" increases about 8 times the level it was before puberty.[3] Though both males and females have estrogen and androgens, it is the increase of estradiol in girls and testosterone in boys that causes the first physical changes during puberty.