jajnik

Jajnik is the Polish term for the ovary, one of the female reproductive organs. In anatomy, the ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped glands situated on either side of the uterus in the pelvic cavity. Each ovary consists of an outer cortex and inner medulla, and contains thousands of developing follicles. At birth, primordial follicles are present; during reproductive years, follicles mature under hormonal control and release an oocyte in a process called ovulation.

The primary functions are oogenesis and hormone secretion. Ovaries produce estrogens and progesterone, along with androgens and inhibins. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, support pregnancy, and influence secondary sexual characteristics. The cortex houses immature and mature follicles; the medulla contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

Blood supply comes from the ovarian arteries, branches of the abdominal aorta, with venous drainage through the ovarian veins to the inferior vena cava on the right and to the left renal vein on the left. Lymphatics drain to para-aortic nodes. Innervation is via autonomic nerves.

Developmentally, ovaries originate from the intermediate mesoderm and primordial germ cells migrate to form germ cells and follicles.

Clinically, common issues include functional ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis involving ovarian tissue, and ovarian cancer, which is often detected at late stages. Ovaries cease most hormonal activity after menopause.