Key Area 2.2

Question 1

State that a releaser hormone produced in the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release hormones which trigger the onset of puberty.

Question 2

Name the hormones that the pituitary gland produces during the onset of puberty

Answer 2

FSH
ICSH
LH

Question 3

Describe the influence of FSH and ICSH on the testes

Answer 3

The two functions of the testes are regulated by the pituitary hormones
FSH promotes sperm production in the seminiferous tubules
ICSH stimulates the interstitial cells to produce testosterone

Question 4

Describe the effect of testosterone on sperm production and the seminal vesicles and prostrate gland to produce their secretions

Answer 4

Testosterone stimulates sperm production in seminiferous tubules and activates the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles to produce their secretions

Question 5

Describe the negative feedback control of testosterone production by FSH and ICSH

Answer 5

As the concentration of testosterone builds up in the blood, it reaches a level where it inhibits the secretion of FSH and ICSH
This then results in a decrease in testosterone concentration.
This then results in FSH and ICSH being stimulated again

Question 6

How long is the female menstrual cycle?

Answer 6

28 days

Question 7

The first day of menstruation is day one of the cycle

Question 8

Describe the influence of FSH and LH on the ovaries

Answer 8

FSH
- stimulates the development and maturation of each follicle
- stimulates ovarian tissue to secrete oestrogen
LH
- triggers ovulation
- brings about the corpus luteum from the follicle and stimulates it to secrete the hormone progesterone

Question 9

State that hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands and secreted directly into the bloodstream