Gonads

Question 1

What are the gonads?

Answer 1

• the reproductive organs
• the testis in males
• the ovaries in females

Question 2

What do the ovaries secrete?

Answer 2

• oestrogen
• progesterone

Question 3

What is oestrogen responsible for?

Answer 3

• the rapid increase in the rate of physical growth during puberty
• the appearance of the secondary sex characteristics of females at puberty
• maturation of the reproductive organs and keeping them in a functional state

Question 4

What do oestrogen and progesterone promote?

Answer 4

• cyclic changes in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle
• i.e. prepares the endometrium for pregnancy

Question 5

What do increased oestrogen levels do?

Answer 5

• inhibit the release of FSH and LH

Question 6

What are the functions of progesterone before pregnancy?

Answer 6

• promotes cyclic changes in the endometrium to prepare for pregnancy

Question 7

What are the functions of progesterone during pregnancy?

Answer 7

• helps maintain the endometrium in a functional state
• helps to keep the smooth muscle of the uterus walls relaxed

Question 8

What do the testis secrete?

Answer 8

• testosterone

Question 9

What are the functions of testosterone?

Answer 9

• rapid increase in the rate of physical growth during puberty
• development of the secondary sex characteristics of males at puberty
• maturation of the reproductive organs and maintaining them in a functional state
• sex drive