What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?

The primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system is to produce eggs and hormones. Ovaries are essential reproductive organs that serve two critical roles: first, they are responsible for the maturation and release of oocytes (eggs) during the menstrual cycle. Each month, during ovulation, one of the ovaries releases an egg that can potentially be fertilized by sperm, leading to conception.

Secondly, the ovaries produce key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, support the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and prepare the endometrium for a potential pregnancy. The hormonal balance maintained by the ovaries is crucial for overall reproductive health.

Other functions listed in the options do not accurately represent the primary role of the ovaries. While sperm storage occurs in the male reproductive system, menstruation is a process regulated by hormones that the ovaries produce but is not a direct function of the ovaries themselves. Supporting fetal development is the role of the uterus rather than the ovaries. Thus, the combined role of egg production and hormone secretion is fundamental to the reproductive process, making this the correct answer.