Question

Write short notes on endocrine function of gonads.

Answer 1

Hint: Gonads are the male and female reproductive organs i.e. testes and ovaries. These reproductive system organs are necessary for the sexual reproduction in human beings. They produce male and female gametes.

Complete Answer:
Gonads or the sex glands are called the mixed glands because the produce both gametes and sex hormones. As the gonads produce hormones they are referred to as endocrine glands. The gonads are controlled by the luteinizing hormone and the follicle stimulating hormone secreted by the gonadotropins present in the anterior pituitary which is regulated by the hypothalamus.

Gonads as endocrine glands- They are the additional endocrine glands. The gonads male testes and female ovaries produce steroid hormones.
- The testes produce androgens called the testosterone which helps in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and to produce sperms.
- The ovaries produce estrogens and progesterone which are responsible for secondary sexual characteristics and prepare females for childbirth.
- The function of estrogen is it helps in growth of the uterus and vagina at the time of puberty. It also helps in egg maturation. Both the hormones are responsible for the development of breasts and for uterine cycle.
- Progesterone is secreted after ovulation. It prepares the uterus for implantation and also helps in complete shedding of endometrium during menstruation.

Note: The secondary sexual characters in male are development of pubic hairs and deep pitched voices. In females sexual characters that develop during puberty are development of fats and hair in the body. All these are controlled by the hormones released by the gonads.