Ovarian development refers to the process by which the ovaries, the female reproductive organs, mature and function. This process begins during embryonic development, where primordial germ cells migrate to the developing ovaries and differentiate into oocytes. These oocytes are surrounded by follicle cells, forming primordial follicles that remain dormant until puberty. At puberty, hormonal changes trigger the maturation of these follicles, leading to the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle. Each month, several follicles begin to develop, but typically only one becomes dominant and is ovulated. The remaining follicles undergo atresia, a process of degeneration, ensuring that only the healthiest oocyte is released.