Reproduction & Hormones: Quick Reference

Germ cell growth and travel

• Germ cells grow and travel via the bloodstream to their target organs.

Hormones and target organs

• Some hormones act on many target organs; others are very specific.

HCG and the corpus luteum

• In early pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) maintains the corpus luteum.
• The corpus luteum continues estrogen and progesterone production early on.
• Later in pregnancy, the placenta takes over hormone production; HCG’s role changes.

Oestrogens secretion

• Secretion of oestrogens (estrogen) is the focus here; no need to differentiate types.

Ovarian and menstrual cycles

• The cycles involve interactions where the release of one hormone type can suppress another.

Primary vs secondary sexual characteristics

• Primary sex organs: ovaries and testes.
• Secondary sexual characteristics develop at puberty.

Puberty changes

• Puberty triggers development of secondary sexual characteristics; signals the move from childhood to sexual maturity.

Study guidance

• Review the ovarian and menstrual cycle to understand the context.
• Consider watching anatomy videos to reinforce concepts.
• Reading the chapter will improve understanding and recall.