Thread: Why do ovaries secrete estrogen?

Also why do the testes secrete testoserone?
Like whats the function???

. Many parts of our bodies excrete hormones - that is how it all works. Its like asking why your mouth makes saliva - it just does.

http://professionals.epilepsy.com/img/hormone_2_s.gif
this is the female reproductive axis. the actual hormone that ovaries secrete is estradiol, not estrogen- Estrogen is actually secreted by the Corpus Luteum, and the folicles from which this develops (which are found within the ovaries). which is the cell body that forms every month upon ovulation.
http://www.homefertility.com/hypothalamus.jpg
This is the male reproductive axis. You will notice that the end result is the stimulation of Leydig cells- which only men have. These are actually the cells that produce testosterone.

The abbreviations that you will see in those pictures are as follows:
GnRH- Ganodotropin releasing hormone- tells the pituitary to release LH and FSH
LH- Leutenizing Hormone- causes ovulation and maturation of the corpus luteum, as well as triggers ledig cells to release testosterone. Works in conjunction with FSH
FSH- Folicle stimulating hormone- causes the maturation of ledig and sertoli cells, as well as the corpus luteum.

Hope this helps!

Primarily the theca (wall) of developing follicles in the ovary, though also to a lesser extent the corpus luteum (remaining out 'shell' which previously contained an egg) and during certain stages of pregnancy, the placenta. The pituitary gland secretes a hormone which induces the production of estrogen in the ovaries.