The paired ovaries are the female gonads. Each ovary is approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 centimeter) long, 0.6 to 1.2 inches (1.5 to 3.0 centimeters) wide and 0.24 to 0.6 inches (0.6 to 1.5 centimeters) thick—similar in size and shape to an unshelled almond. They produce the female gametes, called ova, and secrete the female sex hormones.