Gonads refer to testes in males and ovaries in females. The hormones secreted by these glands control and regulate sexual behaviours and reproductive functions of males and females. Secretion of hormones of these glands is initiated, maintained and regulated by a hormone, called gonadotrophic hormone (GTH) secreted by the anterior pituitary. The secretion of GTH starts at the age of puberty (10 to 14 years in human beings) and stimulates gonads to secrete hormones, which in turn stimulates development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
The ovaries in females produce estrogens and progesterone. Estrogens guide the sexual development of the female body. Primary sexual characteristics r elated with reproduction, such as development of ovum or egg cell, appear on every 28 days or so in the ovary of a sexually matur e female. Secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development, rounded body contours, widened pelvis, etc., also depend on this hormone. Progesterone has no role in sexual development. Its function is related with
preparation of uterus for the possible reception of fertilised ovum.
The hormonal system for reproductive behaviour is much simpler in the male because there is no cyclic pattern. Testes in males produce sper m continuously and secrete male sex hormones called androgens. The major andr ogen is testoster one. Testosterone prompts secondary sexual changes such as physical changes, growth of facial and body hairs, deepening of voice, and increase in sexually oriented behaviour. Increased aggression and other behaviours are also linked with testosterone production.
The normal functioning of all hormones is crucial to our behavioural well-being. Without a balanced secretion of hormones, the body would be unable to maintain the state of internal equilibrium. Without the increased secretion of hormones during the times of stress, we would not be able to react effectively to potential dangers in our environment. Finally, without the secretion of hormones at specific times in our lives, we would not be able to grow, mature and reproduce.
The ovaries in females produce estrogens and progesterone. Estrogens guide the sexual development of the female body. Primary sexual characteristics r elated with reproduction, such as development of ovum or egg cell, appear on every 28 days or so in the ovary of a sexually matur e female. Secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development, rounded body contours, widened pelvis, etc., also depend on this hormone. Progesterone has no role in sexual development. Its function is related with
preparation of uterus for the possible reception of fertilised ovum.
The hormonal system for reproductive behaviour is much simpler in the male because there is no cyclic pattern. Testes in males produce sper m continuously and secrete male sex hormones called androgens. The major andr ogen is testoster one. Testosterone prompts secondary sexual changes such as physical changes, growth of facial and body hairs, deepening of voice, and increase in sexually oriented behaviour. Increased aggression and other behaviours are also linked with testosterone production.
The normal functioning of all hormones is crucial to our behavioural well-being. Without a balanced secretion of hormones, the body would be unable to maintain the state of internal equilibrium. Without the increased secretion of hormones during the times of stress, we would not be able to react effectively to potential dangers in our environment. Finally, without the secretion of hormones at specific times in our lives, we would not be able to grow, mature and reproduce.
No comments:
Post a Comment