Ovaries Endocrine Function - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO ENDOCRINE SYSTEM ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Reproductive hormones tend to have short half lives and act in minute quantities. They bind to specific receptors on their target organs. Oestrus Cycle

Hormones of the Testes

Hormone	Produced by	Regulation	Action
Oestrogen	GnRH from the Hypothalamus causes FSH secretion from the Pituitary Gland which stimulates the developing follicles in the ovary to secrete this hormone.	Promotes development of mammary tissue and is vital for thickening of the endometrium prior to implantation. Oestrogens regulate the Oestrus Cycle.
Progesterone	This is produced in the Corpus Luteum after ovulation, and also the Placenta during pregnancy.	Progesterone is sometimes known as the hormone of pregnancy. It converts the endometrium to its secretory stage to prepare for implantation, reduces the immune response within the uterus to allow for acceptance of the conceptus, and decreases contractility of the smooth muscle.
Inhibin	Granulosa Cells	GnRH from the Hypothalamus causes FSH secretion from the Pituitary Gland which stimulates the Granulosa cells.	Inhibits FSH secretion.
Relaxin	This is produced by the Corpus Luteum towards the end of pregnancy as a result of fetal ACTH production.	Relaxes the cervix and pelvic ligaments in preparation for parturition.
[[Endocrine System -	Sertoli Cells	GnRH from the Hypothalamus causes FSH secretion from the Pituitary Gland which stimulates the Sertoli Cells.	Converted from testosterone, this hormone's function is complex. It may prevent apoptosis of male germ cells.