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The gonad is the organ that makes gametes. Gametes are haploid germ cells. For example, sperm and egg cells are gametes.
In males, the gonads, known as the testes, secrete the class of hormones called androgens. The predominant androgen in males is testosterone. In females, the gonads, known as the ovaries, secrete estrogen and progesterone. The dominant estrogen is known as estradiol, which is derived from testosterone.
The gonads are controlled hormonally by luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. The anterior pituitary gland's excretion of LH and FSH are, in turn, controlled by the hypothalamus's gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Regulation[]
The gonads are controlled hormonally by luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. The anterior pituitary gland's excretion of LH and FSH are, in turn, controlled by the hypothalamus' gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Development[]
- Main article: Development of the gonads
Gonads start developing as a common anlage, in the form of gonadal ridges, and only later are differentiated to male or female sex organs. The SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome and encoding the testis determining factor, decides the direction of this differentiation.
The development of gonads is a part of the development of the urinary and reproductive organs.
See also[]
Genetic determination of sexual differentiation
Sexual differentiation of the gonads and internal reproductive tracts
GnRH and the control of gonadotrophin synthesis and secretion
The gonadotrophins - LH and FSH - and their actions
Endocrine changes in puberty
Precocious sexual development
Premature adrenarche
Acne, hair growth and hirsutism
Testicular function
Control of testicular function
Transport, metabolism and actions of androgens
Erection and ejaculation
Ovarian control and the menstrual cycle
Transport, metabolism and actions of ovarian steroids
The ovary - folliculogenesis and oogenesis
Ovulation, menstruation and its problems
Ovulation induction and assisted conception
Ovarian failure, the menopause and andropause
Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)
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