The ovary (from Latin ōvārium 'egg, nut') is a gonad in the female reproductive system that produces ova;[1] when released, an ovum travels through the fallopian tube/oviduct into the uterus. There is an ovary on the left and the right side of the body. The ovaries are endocrine glands, secreting various hormones that play a role in the menstrual cycle and fertility. The ovary progresses through many stages beginning in the prenatal period through menopause.[2]