1. Regulation of the Reproductive System
Miss Richardson
SBI4U

2. Reproductive Hormones
Male & female reproductive hormones are triggered by the hypothalamus at puperty
Hypothalamus sends gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to anterior pituitary
Pituitary releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutinizing hormone (LH)

3. Males
FSH activates the seminiferous tubules (in testes) to produce sperm and release the hormone inhibin
Inhibin inhibits action of FSH
LH activates interstitial cells of testes to produce testosterone  secondary sex characteristics

4. Females FSH stimulates maturation of follicle in ovaries
In follicular stage, high levels of FSH cause ovaries to release estrogen
Endometrium of uterus thickens in preparation for fertilization
Estrogen causes LH to be released by pituitary
LH causes follicle to rupture and egg is released (follicular stage)
Ruptured follicle turns into corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and estrogen
Progesterone inhibits ovulation, maintains endometrium
If no fertilization after 12 days , corpus luteum is inactive and endometrium is shed
If fertilization occurs, egg secretes Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

5. Females