Hormonal Control of Reproduction

Endocrine Gland

Gland that produces and releases hormones

Endometrium

Inner inning of the uterus

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Pituitary hormone that controls development of follicles sin ovaries and sperm production in males

Follicular Phase

First stage in the menstrual cycle during which the follicle develops

Hormone

Protein released by endocrine gland into the blood that acts as a chemical messenger

Hypothalamus

Region of mammalian brain tat secretes released hormone at puberty

Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH)

Hormone from pituitary gland that stimulates testosterone production by the interstitial cells

Luteal Phase

Second stage of the menstrual cycle in which a corpus luteum is present

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

Pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and corpus luteum development

Menstrual Cycle

Approximately 28 day cycle in the middle of which ovulation occurs

Menstruation

Removal of the endometrium due to decrease in progesterone and an unfertilised egg cell at the end of the menstrual cycle.

Negative Feedback

System of maintaining a steady state in various body systems

Pituitary Gland

Gland in the brain that releases many hormones including FSH and ICSH in males, FSH and LH in females

Releaser Hormone

Hormone which affects the pituitary gland to trigger puberty; produced from hypothalamus

Vascularisation

When body tissue develops blood capillaries

Oestrogen

Ovarian hormone that stimulates proliferation of the endometrium, preparing it for implantation (produced from follicle)

Progesterone

Ovarian hormone that promotes further development and vascularisation of the endometrium (produced by corpus luteum)

Testosterone

Stimulates sperm production from interstitial cells and also activates prostate gland and seminal vesicle.