Name and describe hormones secreted by ovaries.

Answer: The ovaries secrete the following hormones:

1. Estrogens (mainly estradiol), secreted by the granulosa cells of growing Graafian follicles: stimulate development of female secondary sexual characters (breasts, pitch of voice, fat distribution), growth of the female accessory reproductive organs, proliferation of the endometrium in the proliferative phase, and influence female sexual behaviour.
2. Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum: prepares the uterus (secretory endometrium) for implantation, maintains pregnancy, inhibits uterine contractions and ovulation during pregnancy, and stimulates development of mammary glands (alveoli) for milk secretion. It is called the pregnancy hormone.
3. Relaxin, secreted by the corpus luteum at the end of pregnancy: relaxes the pubic symphysis and cervix and helps in parturition.
4. Inhibin, secreted by granulosa cells: inhibits the secretion of FSH from the anterior pituitary.