The ovaries are two small glands located in the lower abdominal region of the female. The ovaries produce the female gamete, the ovum, as well as hormones that are responsible for female sex characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

The ovarian hormones are estradiol (an estrogen) and progesterone. Estradiol is responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics, such as hair and breast development. Progesterone is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the uterus in pregnancy.

TESTES

The testes are two small, ovoid glands suspended from the inguinal region of the male by spermatic cord and surrounded by the scrotal sac. The testes produce the male gametes, spermatozoa, as well as the male hormone called testosterone.

Testosterone is an androgen (male steroid hormone) that stimulates and promotes the growth of secondary sex characteristics in the male (development of beard and pubic hair, deepening of voice, and distribution of fat).