Due to the introduction of molecular and cellular biology approaches, our understanding of ovarian physiology has reached a new level during the last few years. The present volume provides a new perspective on the ovary from molecular and cellular to whole organ levels, from non-mammalian and rodent to human levels and from paracrine, neuroendocrine and endocrine levels as well. These papers represent the proceedings of the Ninth Ovarian Workshop sponsored by Serono Symposia, USA, July 9-11, 1992 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.