hormones and reproductive glands

Menstrual and Ovarian Cycles

Regulated and controlled by endocrine glands through hormone secretion.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones into extracellular fluid for regulation of bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands that travel through the bloodstream to target organs.

Target Organs

Organs that hormones affect, specifically the testes in males and ovaries in females.

Pituitary Gland

A small endocrine gland located below the brain that secretes hormones affecting the reproductive system.

Gonadotropic Hormones

Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland that affect the gonads (testes and ovaries).

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A gonadotropic hormone that stimulates ovarian follicle development and oestrogen secretion in females.

Oestrogen

A hormone secreted by the ovarian follicle that regulates FSH secretion.

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

A gonadotropic hormone that promotes final maturation of the ovarian follicle, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation.

Corpus Luteum

A structure formed after ovulation that secretes progesterone and oestrogens.

Progesterone

A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that regulates LH production.

Prolactin

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that affects breast tissue and milk production in females.

Oxytocin

A hormone that causes uterine contractions, milk movement, and plays a role in sperm movement and testosterone production.

Seminiferous Tubules

Epithelial tissue in the testes stimulated by FSH to produce sperm.

Testosterone

A hormone secreted by the testes that is crucial for sperm maturation and maintenance of male reproductive organs.

Puberty

A developmental stage where gonadotropic hormone secretion leads to physical and psychological changes in both males and females.

Sexual Maturation

In males, influenced by testosterone; in females, brought about by oestrogens.