Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the ovaries?

1. Glands that produce insulin

2. Structures that store blood

3. Organs that produce eggs and hormones

4. Tissues that support the liver

The correct answer is: Organs that produce eggs and hormones

The ovaries are indeed best described as organs that produce eggs and hormones. They play a crucial role in the female reproductive system by generating ova (egg cells) and producing essential hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are vital for regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and influencing various physiological processes. The other options describe different functions or organs within the body. For instance, the production of insulin is the function of the pancreas, making that option unrelated to the role of the ovaries. Storing blood is not a function attributed to any specific organ; rather, the spleen and certain components of the circulatory system are involved in blood storage and management. Lastly, tissues that support the liver do not characterize the ovaries, as the liver has its own supportive structures. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the primary functions of the ovaries within the endocrine and reproductive systems.