Unit 1 - Hormonal control of reproduction

Question 1

Pituitary gland function?

Answer 1

Releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) (in females) or interstitial cells stimulating hormone in males (ICSH) ( after being stimulated by a releaser hormone produced in hypothalamus = this triggers puberty

Question 2

Function of FSH and ICSH?

Answer 2

FSH - Promotes sperm production

ICSH- Stimulates testosterone production

Question 3

Testosterone function?

Answer 3

Stimulates sperm production and activating the prostate gland and seminal vesicles

Question 4

Length of menstrual cycle?

Answer 4

28 days

Question 5

What occurs in the Follicular Phase?

Answer 5

1. FSH stimulates development of follicle in the ovary
2. Follicle produces oestrogen which stimulates proliferation of endometrium and affects consistency of cervical mucus making sperm more mobile
3. High levels of oestrogen cause a surge in LH which is the direct cause of ovulation

Question 6

What occurs in the Luteal Phase?

Answer 6

1. Follicle develops into corpus luteum after ovulation = secretes progesterone
2. Progesterone promotes further development and vascularisation of endometrium preparing.
3. High levels of ovarian hormones have negative feedback control on action of pituitary inhibiting FSH and LH production so no new follicles produced
4. Lack of LH = corpus luteum degenerates causing drop in progesterone = menstruation due to endometrium not being maintained
5. If fertilisation occurs, corpus luteum doesn’t degenerate and progesterone levels remain high.