Which statement is NOT true about ovaries?

RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Medium

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Explanation

The statement that secretion of testosterone is an 'important' function of the ovaries is incorrect.
While ovaries do produce testosterone from theca cells, it is in very small quantities.
The primary role of this testosterone is to serve as a precursor (a building block) for the synthesis of estrogen by granulosa cells.
Therefore, it is not considered a primary or important end-product hormone of the ovaries, unlike estrogen and progesterone.

Option A: This statement is true. Anatomically, females typically have two ovaries, one located on each side of the uterus.
Option B: This statement is true. The secretion of estrogen is a primary and crucial function of the ovaries, responsible for female reproductive development and the menstrual cycle.
Option D: This statement is true. The secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum within the ovary is essential for preparing the uterus for implantation and maintaining early pregnancy.

Visual 1: Diagram - An anatomical illustration of the female reproductive system, clearly labeling the two ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. This helps reinforce the first option.
Visual 2: Flowchart - A simplified diagram of ovarian steroidogenesis, showing how cholesterol is converted to progesterone and androgens (like testosterone), and how androgens are then converted to estrogens. This visually explains why testosterone is a precursor.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions and hormone secretion of the ovaries as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding ovarian hormone production is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
In PCOS, the ovaries often produce excess androgens (hyperandrogenism), leading to clinical signs like hirsutism (excess hair growth), acne, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about these conditions, managing symptoms, and providing support for lifestyle modifications and medication adherence.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that this is a 'negative' question because it uses the word 'NOT'. This means you need to find the false statement among the options.
Read each option carefully and evaluate it as either a true or false statement based on your knowledge of female reproductive anatomy and physiology.
Option A is a basic anatomical fact. Option B and D describe the primary, well-known hormonal functions of the ovaries.
Analyze Option C. Consider the word 'important'. While the ovaries do produce testosterone, is it an 'important' function compared to estrogen and progesterone? Recall that its main role is as a precursor.
Conclude that the statement claiming testosterone secretion is an 'important' function is the exaggeration and therefore the incorrect statement the question is asking for.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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