Which organs produce eggs and female sex hormones?

• A. Ovaries
• B. Testes
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Thyroid

Answer: (A)

Ovaries are the organs that produce eggs (ova) and secrete female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Inside the ovaries, follicles contain immature egg cells that mature and, when the time comes, release an egg in a monthly process called ovulation. The same ovarian tissue also releases estrogens and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, support reproductive health, and influence the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

The other organs have different roles: the testes produce male gametes (sperm) and testosterone; the pituitary gland releases hormones that control many other glands and reproductive processes but does not produce eggs or the primary female hormones themselves; the thyroid makes thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism.