hormones Flashcards
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers in the body that travel through the bloodstream and coordinate different functions in the body.
Where is the pituitary gland located in the body?
Below the hypothalamus.
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
To secrete hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to release hormones for growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Name some examples of endocrine glands. (4)
Testes, ovaries, pituitary, and adrenal cortex.
What is the role of sex hormones in the body?
affect the growth and functioning of the reproductive organs and the development of secondary sex characteristics.
What are the male endocrine glands?
Testes/gonads
What are the female reproductive glands?
The ovaries
Which gland is responsible for secreting hormones to stimulate other endocrine glands
The pituitary gland
What are secondary sex characteristics?
Physical traits that develop during puberty that distinguish males from females, such as deepened voice, facial hair, breast development, and widened hips.
What are androgens?
Androgens are hormones that are responsible for controlling the development and functioning of male sex organs, as well as for the development of secondary sex characteristics.
Which hormone is the main androgen secreted by the testes?
The main androgen secreted by the testes is testosterone
What is the role of androgens in spermatogenesis?
testosterone is responsible for the production of sperm (spermatogenesis).
Do males or females have higher levels of androgens?
Males have higher levels of androgens than females.
Where are androgens produced?
Androgens are mainly produced by the testes in males.
What is the role of oestrogen in males?
Along with testosterone, it is responsible for the maturation of sperm
What are the roles of oestrogen in females? (overall)
Plays a key role in the functioning and development of female reproductive organs and systems, as well as secondary sex characteristics.
Where is oestrogen produced in females?
ovaries and placenta during pregnancy
What is the main function of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle?
Thickens the lining of the endometrium in preparation for potential pregnancy and triggers ovulation.
Where is progesterone produced?
mainly produced in corpus luteum, and placenta