The endocrine control of reproduction involves a complex interplay of hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads. These hormones regulate sexual development, gametogenesis, and reproductive behavior in both males and females.
The forms a feedback loop that maintains reproductive function. from the hypothalamus stimulates the release of and , which then act on the gonads to produce sex hormones and gametes.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Hormones
Hormones Regulating Gonadal Function
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The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus | Anatomy and Physiology I View original
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus stimulates the to release FSH and LH
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes follicle development in the ovaries and in the testes
Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of and in the ovaries, and in the testes
Prolactin, produced by the anterior pituitary, stimulates milk production in the mammary glands and plays a role in the maintenance of the in the ovaries
Hormones Involved in Reproductive Behavior and Childbirth
, released by the , stimulates during labor and delivery (childbirth) and promotes milk letdown during breastfeeding
Also involved in bonding, sexual behavior, and stress reduction
Gonadal Hormones
Hormones Produced by the Testes
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is produced by the in the testes
Responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics (muscle mass, deep voice, facial hair)
Stimulates spermatogenesis and sex drive (libido)
Hormones Produced by the Ovaries
Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, is produced by the in the ovarian follicles
Promotes the development and maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics (breast development, fat distribution, pubic hair)
Regulates the and prepares the uterus for implantation
Progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries after ovulation
Maintains the uterine lining (endometrium) to support pregnancy
Inhibits ovulation and prepares the mammary glands for milk production
, secreted by the granulosa cells in the ovaries and Sertoli cells in the testes
Provides to the anterior pituitary, suppressing FSH secretion to regulate follicle development and spermatogenesis
Reproductive Axis
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is a complex feedback loop that regulates reproductive function
Hypothalamus secretes GnRH, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH
FSH and LH act on the gonads (ovaries and testes) to stimulate the production of sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) and gametogenesis ( and spermatogenesis)
Sex hormones provide negative feedback to the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, regulating the secretion of GnRH, FSH, and LH
This feedback loop ensures proper regulation of the reproductive system and maintains homeostasis
Disruptions in the HPG axis can lead to reproductive disorders, such as , infertility, and menstrual irregularities