Hormonal Co-ordination in Animals - Puberty and the Menstrual Cycle

Question 1

during puberty in men what main reproductive hormone is produces, where from and what does it stimulate?

Answer 1

testosterone
- produced by the testes
- stimulates sperm production

Question 2

during puberty in women what main reproductive hormone is produces, where from and what does it stimulate?

Answer 2

oestrogen
- produced by the ovaries
- physical changes + menstrual cycle

Question 3

what are the 4 stages of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 3

• Stage 1 : Day 1 - menstruation starts - uterus lining breaks down for about 4 days
• Stage 2 : uterus lining thickens again - day 4 - 14 : thick spongy layer full of blood vessels, ready to receive a fertilised egg
• Stage 3 : Ovulation occurs - usually day 14 : an egg develops and is released
• Stage 4 : ** uterus lining continues to thicken** - until day 28
• if no fertilised egg lands on the uterus walls by day 28 - spongy lining starts to break down and cycle restarts

Question 4

what are the 2 glands involved with the menstrual cycle and what do they release?

Answer 4

Pituitary gland :
- FSH - follicle stimulatory hormone
- LH - luteinising hormone
Ovaries :
- Oestrogen
- Progesterone

Question 5

what organ does FSH and LH target

Answer 5

Ovaries

Question 6

what is the function of FSH

Answer 6

• causes oestrogen to be produced from ovaries
• causes an egg to mature in ovaries
• travels in blood plasma

Question 7

what is the job of LH

Answer 7

• causes ovulation around day 14