Question

Understand and be able to classify the different mechanisms by which gonadal hormones cause sex differences

Answer 1

The hormones which have profound actions on gonads and sexual activities of both sexes are known as gonadotrophins hormones. The hormones are as follows:

1) FSH(Follicle stimulating hormone) 2) LH(Leutinising hormone ) and 3)Prolactin or lactogenic hormone

FSH:

Effect on Females

a. It increases the weight of ovaries

b. It helps in formation and maturation of graffian follicles in ovary and induces little secretion of oestrogen.

c. Developmentof uterus

Effects on males:

a. It induces development of seminiferous tubules with stimulation of its with stimulation of its epithelium and spermatogenesis.

LH hormone:

Effects on Female:

a. It helps in the formation, maturation and persistence of corpus luteum which secretes progesterone.

b. Repair of interstitial tissue of ovary which was aatrophied by hypophysectomy.

c. Beginning of secretory activity of uterus.

Effects on males:

a. It stimulates secretion of testesterone by stimulating the interstitial cell of testes. The secretion of androgen helps in spermatogenesis.

c. It helps in development of seminal vesicles, development of ventral prostate and development of penis.

Prolactin or Lactogenic hormone:

Effect on Females

a. It helps in the development of breast and secretion of milk from the mammary gland.

b. It helps in the formation of corpus luteum and maintains the secretory activity of progesterone.