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Introduction

Both male and female bodies undergo multiple changes during adolescence, the most noticeable of which are an increase in height, a change in voice and change in body shape. During adolescence, the activity of sebum and sweat glands increases, so does the development of sex organs and secondary sexual features.

Hormones, in particular, play an important role in the overall growth and development of the human body, as well as the proper functioning of its organs. In this article, you will learn about the gonads, one of the most important hormone-secreting organs, as well as their meaning and function.

Gonads

Male and female reproductive organs are referred to as gonads. It is a member of the endocrine system and a main reproductive gland. Male gonads, such as the testes, secrete male sex hormones, whereas female gonads, such as the ovary, produce female sex hormones.

These organs produce gametes like sperms in both males and egg cells in females, as well as sex hormones that are responsible for the development of main and secondary reproductive traits.

The pituitary gland produces the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Pituitary hormones have a variety of effects on reproductive organs.

The LH stimulates the ovaries to secrete oestrogens and progesterone, while the LH stimulates the testes to secrete testosterone.

 In females, FSH is involved in the maturation of ovarian follicles (sacs that carry ova) while in males, it controls the functioning of sertoli cells(found in testes) which are involved in the formation of sperms by providing nourishment to the developing sperms as well as in their maturation .

Function of Gonads

The male and female gonads serve a variety of tasks throughout an individual’s body. The following are the main functions of the gonads:

  • Produce sex hormones
  • Form gametes
  • Aids in cell division, particularly meiosis
  • Create anabolic effects on protein and carbohydrate metabolism
  • Controls the maturation of reproductive organs indirectly

Both male and female secondary sex traits are developed by this gene.

Male Sex Hormones

Androgens are responsible for the maturation of the male reproductive system, often known as the ‘male hormone.’

Male  gonadal  hormones

  • Testosterone: These hormones are produced by the testes and are necessary for the growth of bone, muscle, and body hair. It’s also in charge of penis growth, voice deepening, and the production of facial hair
  • Inhibin: Inhibin works by preventing the release of follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH. It also controls sperm cell growth and regulation
  • Androstenedione: These hormone precursors encourage and regulate the development of oestrogen and testosterone in the body

Female Sex hormones

Females also generate androgens, which are produced in the ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands. In females, they are responsible for promoting hair development in the underarms and pubic areas.

The female sex examples are as follows:

  • Oestrogens: These are hormones that help the female reproductive system develop and reproduce. Oestrogens, for example, encourage the growth of the uterus, the maturation of the vaginal canal, and the broadening of the breasts and pelvis
  • Progesterone: It is a hormone that aids in the preparation of the uterus for conception and regulates it during the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is also important for milk production and gland stimulation during pregnancy
  • Androstenedione: It is an androgen hormone that is a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen
  • Activin: It is a hormone that increases follicle-stimulating hormone production and release (FSH). It also aids in the management of the menstrual cycle
  • Inhibin: It is a hormone that prevents FSH from being produced and released

Notably, both over and underproduction of gonadal hormones can cause a variety of problems in both men and women. Hypo or hyperproduction of gonadal hormones is usually caused by long-term illness, genetic disease, poor lifestyle choices, and so forth.

Gonads: Hormonal Regulation

Other hormones, glands and organs, as well as a negative feedback system, may regulate sex hormones. Tropic hormones are hormones that control the release of other hormones. Gonadotropins are tropic hormones that control the gonads’ production of sex hormones.

The anterior pituitary secretes the bulk of tropic hormones as well as the gonadotropins FSH and LH. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) helps to regulate gonadotropin secretion. The gonadotropins FSH and LH are released by the pituitary in response to GnRH released from the hypothalamus. The gonads are stimulated to create and secrete sex hormones by FSH and LH.

A negative feedback loop can also be seen in the sex hormone regulation, production and secretion. The initial stimulus is lowered by the reaction it elicits in negative feedback regulation. The response stops the pathway and eliminates the initial stimulus.

The pituitary is stimulated to release LH and FSH when GnRH is released. LH and FSH induce the secretion of testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone from the gonads. The hypothalamus and pituitary detect increased sex hormone concentrations as they circulate in the blood. The sex hormones help to block the release of GnRH, LH, and FSH, resulting in lower sex hormone secretion and production.

Things to Remember

  • Spermatogenesis is the process through which the male gametes are formed
  • Oogenesis is the process by which the female gametes are produced
  • Male gonads, such as the testes, create male sex hormones, whereas female gonads, such as the ovary, produce female sex hormones
  • The interstitial cells, Sertoli cells, and blood vessels support the general functioning of the male gonads
  • Male sperm are divided into four sections: the head, the neck, the middle piece, and the tail
  • The uterus, which is part of the female reproductive system, is made up of some of the body’s strongest muscles
  • A woman’s reproductive cycle begins during adolescence and concludes with menopause
  • In a female body, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 50

Conclusion 

Male and female gonads have significant effect on gamete formation which are sperms in males and eggs in females. Besides this these organs also secrete sex hormones which control the process of gamete formation as well as physiological well being. The male sex hormone is testosterone and female sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone. The less or more secretion of sex hormones can form various diseases.