Hormonal Control of the Testes

what is the function of luteinizing hormone (LH)

stimulates leyding cells to secrete testosterone

what is the function of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

with testosterone, stimulates sertoli.nurse cells to secrete androgen binding protein which keeps testosterone levels high within the seminiferous tubules

what is the function of inhibit (from Sertoli cells)

inhibits FSH to help regulate the rate of spermatogenesis

what is happening in step 1

GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary

what is happening in step 2

anterior pituitary release FSH and LH

what is happening in step 3

LH stimulates leydig cells to release testosterone

what is happening in step 4

FSH stimulates Sertoli/nurse cells to increase spermatogenesis and release of ABP and inhibin

what is happening in step 5

inhibin feeds back on anterior pituitary to decrease release of FSH

what is happening in step 6

testosterone binds androgen binding protein to exert effects on secondary sex characteristics

what is happening in step 7

testosterone negatively feeds back on hypothalamus and pituitary to Dec release of LH