1. Each ovary is held in place on either side of the uterus by ligaments.

2. Within each ovary are thousands of small sacs called graafian follicles.

3. Each graafian follicle contains an ovum.

4. When an ovum is mature, the graafian follicles rupture to the surface and the ovum leaves the ovary. The release of the ovum from the ovary is called ovulation.

5. The ruptured follicle fills first with blood, and then with a yellow, fat-like material. It is then called the corpeus luteum.

6. Near each ovary is a duct, about 5.5 inches long called a uterine or fallopian tube.

7. Collectively, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and supporting ligaments are called the adnexa (accessory structures) of the uterus.

8. The egg, after its release from the ovary, is caught up by the finger-like ends of the uterine tube. These ends are called fimbriae.