The male and female reproductive system is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. In males, FSH stimulates sperm maturation, which is inhibited by the hormone inhibin. The steroid hormone testosterone, a type of androgen, is released in response to LH and is responsible for the maturation and maintenance of the male reproductive system, as well as the development of male secondary sex characteristics. In females, FSH promotes egg maturation and LH signals the secretion of the female sex hormones, the estrogens and progesterone. Both of these hormones are important in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system, as well as maintaining pregnancy. The placenta develops during early pregnancy, and secretes several hormones important for maintaining the pregnancy.
estrogens
class of predominantly female sex hormones important for the development and growth of the female reproductive tract, secondary sex characteristics, the female reproductive cycle, and the maintenance of pregnancy
inhibin
hormone secreted by the male and female gonads that inhibits FSH production by the anterior pituitary
progesterone
predominantly female sex hormone important in regulating the female reproductive cycle and the maintenance of pregnancy
testosterone
steroid hormone secreted by the male testes and important in the maturation of sperm cells, growth and development of the male reproductive system, and the development of male secondary sex characteristics
1. The gonads produce what class of hormones?
A) amine hormones
B) peptide hormones
C) steroid hormones
D) catecholamines
C
2. The production of FSH by the anterior pituitary is reduced by which hormone?
A) estrogens
B) progesterone
C) relaxin
D) inhibin
D
3. The function of the placental hormone human placental lactogen (hPL) is to ________.
A) prepare the breasts for lactation
B) nourish the placenta
C) regulate the menstrual cycle
D) all of the above
A
1. Compare and contrast the role of estrogens and progesterone.
Both estrogens and progesterone are steroid hormones produced by the ovaries that help regulate the menstrual cycle. Estrogens play an important role in the development of the female reproductive tract and secondary sex characteristics. They also help maintain pregnancy. Progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy and helps maintain pregnancy.
2. Describe the role of placental secretion of relaxin in preparation for childbirth.
Relaxin produced by the placenta is thought to soften and widen the pubic symphysis. This increases the size of the pelvic outlet, the birth canal through which the fetus passes during vaginal childbirth.