2.2 Hormonal Control Of Reproduction

Question 1

What does the hypothalamus release?

Answer 1

A releaser hormone which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release 2 hormones (FSH and ICSH/LH)

Question 2

What are the 2 hormones in males?

Answer 2

FSH and ICSH

Question 3

What are the 2 hormones in females?

Answer 3

FSH and LH

Question 4

What does the pituitary gland release?

Answer 4

FSH

Question 5

What does FSH stimulate?

Answer 5

Sperm production in the seminiferous tubules

Question 6

What does ICSH stimulate?

Answer 6

The interstitial cells to release testosterone

Question 7

What does testosterone stimulate?

Answer 7

Sperm production and the prostate gland and seminal vesicles to secrete fluids

Question 8

What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilisation occurs?

Answer 8

It does not degenerate

Question 9

What happens to progesterone if fertilisation occurs?

Answer 9

Progesterone levels remain high

Question 10

What is negative feedback control in males?

Answer 10

At high concentrations, testosterone inhibits the release of FSH and ICSH by the pituitary gland

Question 11

How long does the menstrual cycle take?

Answer 11

28 days

Question 12

What are the two phases during the menstrual cycle?

Answer 12

• The follicular phase (Day 1-14)
• The luteal phase (Day 15-28)

Question 13

What does FSH stimulate in the follicular phase?

Answer 13

• The development of a follicle inside the ovary
• The production of oestrogen to the follicle

Question 14

What does oestrogen stimulate in the follicular phase?

Answer 14

• Proliferation of the endometrium preparing it for implantation
• Alters the consistency of cervical mucus making it more easily penetrated by sperm
• High levels of oestrogen stimulates the pituitary to release LH

Question 15

What does LH stimulate in the follicular phase?

Answer 15

Ovulation

Question 16

What does the follicle develop into during the luteal phase?

Answer 16

A corpus luteum that secrets progesterone

Question 17

What does progesterone do in the luteal phase?

Answer 17

• Promotes further development and vascularisation of the endometrium, preparing it for implantation if fertilisation occurs
• Inhibits the pituitary gland from releasing FSH and LH which prevents further follicles from developing, this is called negative feedback

Question 18

What happens during negative feedback for females?

Answer 18

• Eventually the lack of LH leads to degeneration of the corpus luteum
• Progesterone levels drop leading to menstruation
• Pituitary gland is no longer inhibited