Ovaries
The ovaries serve two functions
- Produce ova (female germ cells)
- Secrete the hormones called:
These ovaries have blister-like structures called follicles which secrete increased amounts of estradiol between days 18 and 21 of the 21-day reproductive cycle.
Estradiol stimulates increased blood flow to the reproductive tract and acts with the brain to cause the behavioral signs of estrus(heat)
Each follicle contains one developing ovum and estradiol stimulates LH release which causes ovulation and releases each ovum. Ovulation occurs over a period of about 2 hours