Hormonal Control of Reproduction

Question 1

What does the Pituitary Gland do?

Answer 1

This releases FSH and LH in females or ICSH in males after being stimulated by a releaser hormone

Question 2

Where does the releaser hormone get produced and what does it do?

Answer 2

The Hypothalamus - this triggers puberty

Question 3

What does FSH and ICSH do?

Answer 3

FSH - promotes sperm production

ICSH - stimulates testosterone production

Question 4

What does Testosterone do?

Answer 4

Testosterone also stimulates sperm production, as well as activating the prostate gland and seminal vesicles

Question 5

What is negative feedback of testosterone controlled by?

Answer 5

FSH and ICSH

Question 6

How long does the menstrual cycle last for?

Answer 6

28 days with the first day of menstruation regarded as day one of the cycle

Question 7

What happens during the Follicular Phase?

Answer 7

FSH stimulates the development of a follicle in the ovary. The follicle then produces a hormone called Oestrogen which stimulates proliferation of the endometrium and affects the consistency of Cervical Mucus making it more easily penetrated by sperm. High levels of Oestrogen cause a surge in LH which triggers Ovulation

Question 8

What happens during the Luteal Phase?

Answer 8

The follicle develops into the Corpus Luteum after ovulation, which secretes Progesterone. The Progesterone promotes further development and vascularisation of the endometrium preparing. High levels of ovarian hormones have negative feedback control on action of Pituitary inhibiting FSH and LH production so new follicles are produced. A lack of LH causes Corpus Luteum to degenerate causing a drop in progesterone leading to menstruation as endometrium can’t be maintained. If fertilisation does not occur, the Corpus Luteum does not degenerate and progesterone levels remain high