Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the role of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?

1. To produce testosterone and sperm

2. To release eggs and produce sex hormones

3. To provide nourishment to embryos

4. To maintain body temperature

The correct answer is: To release eggs and produce sex hormones

The ovaries play a critical role in the female reproductive system by releasing eggs and producing sex hormones, which are essential for various physiological processes. Each month, during the menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg in a process known as ovulation. This egg can potentially be fertilized by sperm, leading to conception. In addition to releasing eggs, the ovaries are responsible for producing key sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate various aspects of reproduction, menstrual cycles, and secondary sexual characteristics. They contribute to the development of breast tissue, the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and the preparation of the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. The other options are not accurate representations of the ovarian function. For example, the production of testosterone and sperm is primarily associated with the male reproductive system and the testes. Providing nourishment to embryos is predominantly the function of the uterus after fertilization occurs. Maintaining body temperature is controlled by various factors throughout the body, including the hypothalamus, not specifically by the ovaries.