Female ovaries. Changes in the location of the female reproductive organs. Diagnosis is usually not difficult

The female reproductive system is very sensitive to the effects of various internal and external environmental factors. Every representative of the fair sex has encountered pathologies of the genital organs at least once in her life. In the modern world, the number of women suffering from chronic diseases of the genital area is rapidly increasing. This situation is due to deterioration of the environment, nutrition, a large amount of everyday stress and changes in sexual behavior.

Ovarian diseases in women are very common; they are characterized by a variety of clinical symptoms and dangerous consequences for a woman’s health, which develop as a result of untimely consultation with a doctor or self-medication.

Therefore, it is very important for the female population to know basic information about the most common ovarian pathologies.

In modern gynecological practice, ovarian diseases occupy a significant place; they include many nosological units:

1. Inflammatory pathologies of the ovaries: diseases of this group arise due to the penetration and further activity of the infectious agent in the ovarian parenchyma. The pathological process usually also involves the fallopian tubes and ligaments. This condition is called adnexitis, the development of this disease is accompanied by vivid clinical symptoms;
2. Tumor-like formations of the ovaries: this includes ovarian cysts that appear from various structural elements of the organ. The formation of cysts is more common in women of childbearing age, but this does not exclude the development of such a pathological condition in little girls and postmenopausal women. Tumor-like formations of the ovaries are considered a polyetiological disease; it can be triggered by disruptions in the endocrine system, genital infections and congestion in the vascular system of the pelvis;
3. Benign ovarian tumors: the most common neoplasms of the female genital area. They have a complex classification, this is due to the fact that the morphological structure of the ovary is more complex than most other organs. In addition to parenchyma and stroma, they consist of many other tissue elements that perform important functions;
4. Malignant ovarian tumors: the second most common cancer after. This pathology is characterized by high mortality and difficulty in making a timely diagnosis. Malignant ovarian tumors are more often detected in women aged 60-70 years, however, cases of ovarian cancer are increasing in younger women;

Each type of ovarian disease is characterized by a unique clinical picture, a certain set of diagnostic measures and a further prognosis for the woman’s life and health. Most of the above pathological conditions can be successfully treated if they are identified in a timely manner.

Adnexitis: etiology, clinic, treatment

Inflammation of the uterine adnexa develops due to the penetration of a pathogenic microorganism into a woman’s body. The pathogen can penetrate the ovarian parenchyma, fallopian tubes and ligaments from the environment, bypassing the vagina, cervical canal and uterus. The second route of penetration is secondary; the microorganism enters the ovary from other inflamed abdominal organs (a complication of appendicitis). Infection also occurs through the blood in the presence of a generalized infectious pathology in the body. Adnexitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Signs of inflammatory diseases of the ovaries and appendages in women:

• Pain in the lower abdomen: the intensity of pain depends on the severity and extent of the pathological process;
• Fever: body temperature rises to 38-39 ⁰C;
• General symptoms of intoxication: weakness, headache, nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• Pathological discharge from the vagina: often purulent in nature with an unpleasant odor;
• Dysuric disorders are sometimes observed;

If you experience such symptoms, you should immediately contact your gynecologist. Adnexitis can lead to the development of purulent complications: microabscesses of the ovary and fallopian tubes. Adnexitis can also become chronic, which increases a woman’s risk of infertility. The key point in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the ovaries and appendages is the use of antibacterial drugs. Antibiotics are prescribed by the attending physician after a thorough examination of the woman and receipt of test results. After identifying the causative agent of the infection, a test for antibiotics is carried out and, in accordance with its results, the name and dosage of the drug is selected. In modern gynecological practice, penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporins, macrolides and other groups of drugs are used to treat adnexitis. If pain occurs in the lower abdomen, it is strictly forbidden to take antibiotics on your own. An important condition for effective treatment is the woman's abstinence from unprotected sex for the entire period of treatment. Sex using a condom is also not recommended during exacerbation of the disease, which is accompanied by pain and deterioration of the general condition.

Tumor-like formations of the ovaries

Tumor-like formations in the ovaries are a very common pathology among women of childbearing age. The typical localization of cyst formation is the follicle and the corpus luteum. A follicular cyst occurs before ovulation, and a corpus luteum cyst occurs after it. A follicular cyst is usually asymptomatic and does not cause the woman any discomfort. In other cases, the symptoms of this ovarian disease combine pain (appears during cyst formation) and menstrual irregularities (delay). The complications of this formation are very dangerous for a woman’s health. These include torsion of the cyst pedicle and rupture of the cyst wall. Both of these conditions are emergencies and require medical attention. The development of complications is accompanied by an increase in pain intensity, nausea, and vomiting. Most often, when a follicular cyst occurs, surgical treatment is not required. The woman is prescribed anti-inflammatory and hormonal therapy, and also monitors the formation at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Corpus luteum cyst is predominantly not accompanied by the appearance of clinical symptoms. Rarely, minor irregularities in menstruation and pain in the lower abdomen may occur. In some cases, the corpus luteum cyst goes away on its own after a few months. If this does not happen, then the woman is indicated for surgical intervention.

Benign ovarian tumors: clinical picture and treatment

There are a number of risk factors for the development of benign ovarian tumors:

1. Too early or late onset of menstruation;
2. The onset of menopause after 50 years;
3. Long-term menstrual cycle disorders;
4. Chronic diseases of the uterine adnexa;
5. Hereditary predisposition;
6. Metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance;

Signs of such ovarian diseases depend on the location and size of the formation. Benign tumors develop from any tissue that makes up the ovary. They are often found unexpectedly during an ultrasound examination. These neoplasms may be accompanied by paroxysmal dull pain in the lower abdomen, which radiates to the thighs. Individual formations reach large sizes and can be palpated during a gynecological examination. The most dangerous complication of benign tumors is their malignancy. Therefore, you need to regularly undergo preventive examinations with a gynecologist and if complaints arise, do not self-medicate. Treatment of this ovarian disease in women is often carried out surgically.

Malignant ovarian tumors: causes and manifestations

Of all the ovarian diseases that occur in women of reproductive age and during menopause, ovarian cancer has the most unfavorable course. It is not fully understood why malignant processes develop in the ovaries. Possible reasons:

• Pathologies of the adenohypophysis and hypothalamus. Under conditions of increased activity of these organs, excessive secretion of estrogens occurs, which creates a favorable background for the development of a malignant tumor;
• The early onset of menstruation in combination with the late onset of menopause is also considered a predisposing factor for oncological pathologies of the female reproductive system;
• Hereditary predisposition. The risk is particularly high for women whose immediate relatives have malignant tumors of the genital organs;

Ovarian cancer can initially develop in the parenchyma of an organ, arise as a result of malignancy of a benign tumor, or appear due to tumor metastasis in another organ. There are no specific symptoms of malignant ovarian tumors. Chronic fatigue, sleep and appetite disturbances, weight loss, and digestive disorders are observed. Sometimes women report pain in the lower abdomen.

Malignant ovarian tumors should be diagnosed and treated by a specialist in oncological pathologies of the female reproductive organs. Timely detection of a tumor is one of the leading factors in successful treatment, so if your general condition worsens and pain in the lower abdomen appears, immediately contact a gynecologist.

The female sex glands - the ovaries - are similar in their functions in the body to the testicles. Ovarian hormones are responsible for the formation of the body according to the female type, bone tissue renewal, the activity of the reproductive system and other important functions.

A number of pathologies, including cancer, are associated with a deficiency and excess of these biologically active substances.

The structure and functions of the ovaries in women

The ovaries are paired sex glands that are located at the side wall of the pelvic cavity. The weight of these important formations is no more than 16 grams.

The gonads consist of a cortex, which contains follicles of varying degrees of maturity, and connective tissue. The follicular part of the ovaries produces both natural steroid hormones and eggs.

The work of the ovaries is subordinate to the menstrual cycle. During the maturation process, one of the developing follicles inhibits the others, becoming dominant. When the dominant follicle completes its maturation, it bursts and the egg (oocyte) it contains is released into the abdominal cavity. The stage when an egg is released is called ovulation. After release, the egg enters the fallopian tube and gradually migrates to the uterus. At the stage between localization in the abdominal cavity and the fallopian tube, fertilization of the oocyte is possible.

The entire first (follicular) phase of the cycle is controlled by a specific. Follicles produce mainly, and to a lesser extent, progestins and weakly effective ones.

The functions of the follicle are not limited to storing the egg. After ovulation, under the influence of luteinizing hormone (LH), it undergoes transformation into the corpus luteum, a temporary secretory gland that secretes progestins necessary to maintain pregnancy.

If the egg is fertilized, then the corpus luteum exists not for two weeks (until the end of the second phase of the cycle), but until the moment when the placenta itself is able to produce the required amount of estrogens and progestins. The long-term existence of the corpus luteum is maintained due to the luteinizing effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the main pregnancy hormone produced by the tissue of the fetal membrane.

To a lesser extent, the corpus luteum produces weak androgens and estrogens. The production of the main female hormones is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of progestins: with their deficiency and normal, miscarriage is recorded.

Estrogens

Ovarian hormones, which regulate the first phase of the menstrual cycle and have a huge impact on the entire female body, are called estrogens. The most active of the three secreted substances (estradiol, estrone, estriol) is estradiol. Researchers estimate that its effect is approximately 25 and 200 times stronger than that of estrone and estriol, respectively.

They are produced not only by the follicular apparatus of the ovaries and the corpus luteum, but also by the adrenal glands, brain, liver, muscles, adipose and placental tissue (extragonadal organs secrete weak estrogens). The latter is explained by the fact that estrogens ensure the activation of progestins, which ensure the successful gestation of the fetus. With a large number of fat cells in the body, estrone is secreted, which, despite the weak effect compared to estradiol, provokes hormonal imbalance.

The main functions of estrogens in the body include:

• development of a full-fledged vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes in the fetus, formation of secondary sexual characteristics in women;
• regulation of the growth of long tubular bones (during menopause, when estrogen secretion decreases, women experience bone fragility), increasing calcium absorption;
• reducing the concentration of antithrombin and stimulating the formation of blood coagulation factors (this helps prevent heavy bleeding during menstruation, but with an excess of estrogens it increases the risk of thrombosis);
• rejection of the inner lining of the uterus during menstruation (emergency oral contraceptives operate due to this mechanism);
• increasing the concentration of substances with anti-sclerotic effects (protecting blood vessels from blockage by cholesterol plaques);
• preparation of receptors for the action of progesterone;
• blood supply to the placenta and preparation of the mammary glands for lactation;
• stimulation of fluid retention in the body.

If the normal ratio of estrogens and progestins is violated in the second phase of the cycle, it is observed, accompanied by swelling, mood disorders and other symptoms.

Progesterone

Progesterone is an ovarian hormone produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, placental tissue and adrenal glands. In the first - follicular - phase of the cycle, this hormone is also produced (by the follicle), but in very small quantities.

It is the most active of the entire group of gestagens. Artificial analogues of their own gestagens - progestins - are used to treat infertility and, conversely, for the production of combined and non-combined oral contraceptives.

The main functions of progesterone are related to motherhood. These include:

• ensuring attachment of the fertilized oocyte to the wall of the uterus;
• inhibition of uterine muscle tone;
• stimulation of the growth of the uterine walls;
• weakening of the immune response during pregnancy in order to preserve a half-alien fetus;
• suppression of lactation (after childbirth, the level of “pregnancy hormone” drops, which is a sign of the beginning of breast milk secretion).

To carry out the functions of progesterone, the presence of estrogen is necessary, however, systematic excess of the level of the main female hormone leads to the development of uterine fibroids, mastopathy, endometrial diseases and the appearance of severe premenstrual syndrome.

Despite the fact that the main ovarian hormones are estrogens and gestagens, the cortical layer of the female reproductive glands, together with the adrenal glands, also produces weak androgens.

The production of androgens, which include testosterone, androtestosterone and other hormones, is considered the prerogative of male hormonal development. The role of these substances has not been studied as thoroughly as estrogen or progesterone, but it has been established that a certain amount of weak androgens is necessary for the normal development of the female body.

The functions of androgens in the female body include:

• stimulation of muscle development (including uterine muscles);
• inhibition of lactation when breastfeeding is stopped;
• development of the ovaries (when combined with estrogens and taking into account the mechanism of conversion of the main ovarian androgen).

It is also known that androgens are involved in many metabolic processes in the body.

The main “male” hormone of the ovaries is normally transformed into estrogen. Androgen hormones are produced in large quantities by hormone-producing tumors and ovaries affected by cysts.

The effect of excess and deficiency of female sex hormones on the body

Hormonal balance is an important condition for the health of the whole body. If it is violated in favor of one of the substances described above, the risk of developing diseases of the reproductive and other systems increases many times over. The type of pathology depends on which ovarian hormones are produced in insufficient or increased quantities.

Possible consequences of exceeding or decreasing the normal amount of ovarian hormones;

An excess or deficiency of ovarian hormones in most clinical cases indicates the development of tumors or cysts, malfunctions of the neuroendocrine system, or an incorrectly selected course of hormonal therapy.

The ovary is a paired female reproductive gland in the pelvic cavity, which, in addition to hormonal, also performs a reproductive function.

Structure of the ovary

The shape of the ovary is oval, it measures up to 3.5 cm in length, up to 2.5 cm in width, and up to 1.5 cm in thickness. According to observations, the right ovary is larger than the left. One end of this gland faces the fallopian tube, the other is attached to the uterus by its own ovarian ligament. In the broad ligament of the uterus next to it are the epididymis and the periovarian.

The structure of the mature ovary consists of the cortex, medulla and hilum. In addition to the bundle of blood and lymphatic vessels and the nerve bundle, the hilum contains connective tissue and chyle cells that secrete androgens.

The connective tissue medulla is adjacent to the hilum. Above the medulla is the cortex, which makes up most of the ovary. It is based on connective tissue and cells that produce androgen hormones. At the base there are follicles, whitish and yellow bodies.

Ovarian follicles differ from each other in stages of development. During one menstrual cycle, only one follicle develops fully - the dominant one. Follicles that have not reached the final stage of development die. In place of the follicle that has undergone ovulation, the so-called corpus luteum is formed. It is called so because the granulosa cells that form it, due to the large accumulation of fat, give the yellow color to this formation. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum is gradually replaced by connective tissue, and a white body is formed in its place. At the site of follicle rupture, scars form on the ovarian membrane.

Functions of the ovary

The ovarian follicle produces eggs, which, if fertilized, give life to a new organism. When pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum formed at the site of the follicle secretes the hormone progesterone, which promotes its preservation and gestation.

In addition, the ovaries produce a number of other hormones - androgens and estrogens. Androgens (testosterone, androstenedione) in the female body act as an intermediate product before the synthesis of estrogens (estradiol, estrone).

Estrogens are responsible for the formation of the characteristics of the female body - external and internal genital organs, skeleton, mammary glands, androgens are responsible for pubic and armpit hair. The alternating activity of progesterone and estrogen affects the condition of the epithelium of the uterine and vaginal mucosa, determining the cyclicity of menstruation.

Ovarian function test

The study begins with anamnesis - the woman is asked when menstruation began, the characteristics of the menstrual cycle - the amount of discharge, pain, cycle duration, regularity, etc.

During the examination, attention is paid to the physique, the nature of hair growth, the development of the mammary glands, external genitalia - they directly depend on the hormonal activity of the ovary.

A blood test for sex hormones also helps determine the functional activity of the female gonads.

Ultrasound examination of the ovaries allows you to assess their size and location, as well as evaluate the development of the follicle over time. This highly informative method has found wide application and has replaced older methods of study. Laparoscopic examination using an endoscope allows not only to visually evaluate these glands, but also to simultaneously carry out some manipulations to treat the ovaries.

Ovarian diseases and treatment approaches

Most often, the pathology of the female reproductive glands is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Menstrual irregularities;
• Puberty disorders;
• Infertility;
• Uterine bleeding;
• Pain in the lower abdomen.

A comprehensive gynecological examination will identify specific causes and diseases of the ovaries.

Inflammation of the ovaries - manifested by aching, pulling pain in the lower abdomen, periodically radiating to the lower back and sacrum. Unpleasant sensations are also observed during sexual intercourse. These symptoms worsen during menstruation. Sometimes they are accompanied by a rise in body temperature, chills, and signs of dysuria. There may be copious clear discharge from the genital tract. If inflammation goes into a chronic phase, it can cause infertility and menstrual irregularities.

Inflammation of the ovaries can be caused by bacteria that have entered it from the environment - these are mycoplasmas, chlamydia, gonococci, trichomonas. Sometimes it is provoked by those microorganisms that are safe in a healthy body, but exhibit their pathogenic properties when local or general immunity decreases. Inflammation of the ovaries easily spreads to the fallopian tubes, causing damage to their internal epithelium with subsequent formation of adhesions.

If suspicious symptoms appear, you should see a gynecologist. Treatment of ovarian inflammation is mainly conservative and includes a course of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs. Additionally, antihistamines, vitamins and restorative procedures are sometimes prescribed.

Polycystic ovary syndrome can first appear at the age of 12-14 years, when the ovaries are just beginning to perform reproductive functions. But more often a detailed picture of the disease can be observed by the age of 30. In a woman with polycystic disease, the ovaries look lumpy during ultrasound examination due to many cysts - vesicles up to 10 mm in diameter with fluid inside. Cysts are follicles from which the egg cannot be released into the abdominal cavity - ovulation does not occur, and therefore conception becomes impossible.

Women with polycystic syndrome have a characteristic appearance - excessive body hair - hirsutism, acne, increased pigmentation, which arise due to excess male sex hormones. Up to 40% of women with this pathology are obese.

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is established on the basis of ultrasound and analysis of hormones in the blood (testosterone, progesterone) on certain days of the sexual cycle. It is important to conduct all studies under the supervision of a gynecologist.

Treatment of ovaries in the case of polycystic disease consists of reducing the level of androgens - male sex hormones, and normalizing the menstrual cycle. This is achieved with the use of certain oral contraceptives with a therapeutic effect. Pregnancy, if it occurs, also has a positive effect on polycystic ovary syndrome.

Every girl and woman simply needs to know how her body works. Moreover, he simply has magical powers, namely the ability to reproduce a person into the world.

In this work we propose to consider the structure of the ovary, uterus, and their functions. We will also talk about some of the problems that the fair sex may face. Let's start with the fact that the ovaries are paired sex glands. The ovaries perform two main functions: generative and endocrine. We'll definitely talk about this a little later. We suggest starting with the structure of these gonads.

Structure of the ovaries

As we have already said, the ovaries are paired organs that represent the female body. It is there that the formation of eggs and their maturation occur. Before we look at the structure of the ovary, let’s determine how it is located relative to other female organs. The ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus. Each of them is located near the side wall of the pelvis.

They have a pale bluish color, the surface is lumpy, the ovaries themselves are oval and slightly flattened. The structure of the ovary is actually a very difficult question. Their surfaces are distinguished:

• medial;
• lateral.

• mesenteric;
• free.

Two ends:

• pipe;
• uterine.

Now a little about the parameters. In a mature girl, the ovaries can reach the following sizes; of course, you need to take into account age and individual characteristics:

Each ovary has a covering in the form of a tunica albuginea; they are connected to the abdominal part only through the fusion of the peritoneum and the mesenteric edge. Under the tunica albuginea there is also a cortical covering, which is much stronger than the first; in the very center there is the so-called medulla, which is distinguished by the presence of many vessels and its loose consistency, needed as connective tissue.

Let us also note that the cortex contains follicles, which are divided into types:

• primary;
• vesicular.

The first on our list are immature follicles, the second are already fully mature and contain follicular fluid. It is in them that the main sex cells, the eggs, are formed. The mature follicle and egg are involved in the process of ovulation. The first one bursts, the egg moves with the help of the fimbria into the uterine cavity through the fallopian tube. Sometimes it happens that the follicle begins to resolve without completing its maturation.

Structure of the uterus

Let's consider the following question - the structure of the uterus and ovaries. These two organs are directly related to each other. It is their joint work that makes it possible to reproduce offspring and continue the human race. The uterus has the shape of a pear, its normal weight is from 40 to 60 grams. Its structure includes:

• body;
• neck;
• isthmus.

It is also important to note the fact that the uterus is a hollow organ, that is, there is a free cavity inside. Its walls touch, which is why this cavity looks like a gap.

Let's select the layers of the walls:

• the endometrium, or mucous membrane, is the inner layer;
• myometrium, or muscle, is the middle layer of the uterine wall;
• The serosa and peritoneum are the last, outer layer of the uterus.

Each layer undergoes some changes during a woman’s life. The endometrium can be from one to three millimeters thick (all this depends on the phase of the cycle). There are no changes in the myometrium until pregnancy and childbirth; its thickness ranges from three to ten millimeters. The last layer covers all female organs.

We propose to briefly highlight the main functions and purposes of this body:

• protection against infections;
• self-cleaning;
• transportation of spermatozoa;
• implantation;
• creating conditions for the embryo;
• expulsion of the fetus (during childbirth);
• strengthening the pelvic floor.

Functions of the ovaries

We looked at such genital organs as the uterus and ovaries and their structure. And the functions of the ovaries is our next question. We mentioned at the very beginning of this article that the ovaries perform two main functions:

• generative;
• endocrine.

The first function is the formation of germ cells. We propose to briefly consider the process of oogenesis. It differs from the process of spermatogenesis; there are three stages in it:

• reproduction;
• height;
• maturation.

During the first stage, oogonia multiply, which in most cases occurs during intrauterine development. This process stops when the cell enters meiosis. At this stage, development stops until puberty. The growth stage already occurs in the mature ovary, which is functioning. The last stage begins with the formation of second-order oocytes, and this process ends with release as a result of ovulation.

The main difference from spermatogenesis is the absence of a formation stage.

We mentioned another function of the ovaries - endocrine. Granulosa, whose functions are regulated to a greater extent by lutropin, produce hormones:

• estradiol, formed from the precursor of testosterone;
• estrone, it helps the formation of estriol in the liver and placenta;
• progesterone, which is simply necessary during ovulation.

Ovarian development

We have looked at the structure of a woman’s ovary, now we propose to talk very briefly about its development.

It is worth noting that the formation of this organ begins in intrauterine development. Already in the fifth month, girls have fully developed gonads that have follicles. After which they atrophy. The ovaries are fully formed in girls at the age of two years.

Pregnancy

We examined the question of the structure of the ovaries, tubes, and eggs. But what happens in a woman's body during pregnancy? The ovaries have a decisive role, namely the production of necessary hormones. It is also a cradle for maturing eggs. During fertilization of the egg, a corpus luteum is formed in one of the two ovaries. It is needed for increased production of progesterone. helps the placenta to fully form; at the twelfth week it begins to die, since its main function is completed.

You should also know that during pregnancy, a woman’s ovaries go into “hibernation” so that another ovulation does not occur.

Exhaustion

We have already looked at the internal structure of the ovary, but did not talk about the fact that their depletion occurs. What it is? This disease is briefly called and includes a whole complex of symptoms:

• amenorrhea;
• disorders in the vegetative-vascular system;
• infertility before a woman reaches 40 years of age.

Doctors can make this diagnosis provided that the woman has not previously experienced difficulties with menstrual and reproductive function. Despite this complex of symptoms, this disease is quite treatable.

Multifollicularity

The multifollicular structure of the ovaries is almost no different from the structure of healthy ones; the only difference is that eight or more follicles simultaneously exist in the ovaries. The norm is from 4 to 7, only one of them reaches full maturity, less often two. Multifollicularity can be detected using ultrasound (ultrasound), and the picture is as follows: there are more than seven follicles in the ovaries in the ripening stage.

It is also important to note that it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis using ultrasound, because multifollicularity can be very similar to polycystic disease. If a threat is seen, then a consultation with a gynecologist and an analysis to determine hormonal levels are prescribed.

Removal

In some cases, the ovaries may be removed. Let's briefly consider the options when they are removed:

• hormone-dependent breast tumor;
• cyst;
• inflamed pelvic organs.

The ovaries, the structural features of which we have examined, are often removed together with the fallopian tubes. After the removal of two ovaries, the possibility of becoming pregnant can no longer be discussed. First, the ovulation process stops and the menstrual cycle stops. Further, a lack of estrogen is noticed in the body, as a result of which the uterine mucosa atrophies.

We looked at the structure of the ovary and listed some diseases. Remember that it is very important to protect women’s health, because the ability to have children depends on it.