2.2 - Hormonal Control of Reproduction

Hormonal Control of Reproduction

Higher Human Biology 2.2

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by the endocrine glands and secreted directly into the bloodstream. Hormones are a type of protein. 

Puberty is the sequence of physical changes that occur in the human body from a child to an adult, resulting in the ability to reproduce. At puberty, the hypothalamus secretes a releaser hormone that targets the pituitary gland. 

Once stimulated, the pituitary gland responds by producing two pituitary hormones. In males, the hormones produced are the interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The release of these hormones triggers puberty and the production of sperm

In females, the hormones produced are the luteinising hormone (LH) and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The release of these hormones triggers puberty and the menstrual cycle. 

In males, FSH promotes the production of sperm in the seminiferous tubules and ICSH stimulates testosterone production from the interstitial cells. Testosterone also helps stimulate sperm production and activates the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.

ICSH stimulates the interstitial cells to produce testosterone. High levels of testosterone inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones which in turn decreases the level of testosterone produced by the interstitial cells. When the levels of testosterone drop, the pituitary hormones are no longer inhibited and can resume testosterone production like normal. 

In females, FSH stimulates the development of a follicle in the ovaries and the production of oestrogen by the…