THE OVARIES AND THE TESTES Michael Kahn, Emily Miller, Logan McDonagh

Location of the Ovaries The ovaries are located in the lower abdomen The ovaries are a pair of female reproductive organs where female reproductive cells. They are held in place by a membrane on

Hormones released in the Ovaries During ovulation, the ovaries release a number of different hormones The ovaries release progesterone and estrogen Progesterone and estrogen work to regulate menstruation and the development of sex organs. Estrogen - Regulates the growth of the uterine lining and causes the development of female sex characteristics during puberty. It also plays a key role in the changes of the female body that occur during pregnancy. Progesterone - One of progesterones main role is in pregnancy. It prepares the body for conception and regulates the menstrual cycle. Progesterone also plays a role in sexual desire.

Regulation of the Ovaries The ovaries are largely regulated by hormones from the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary The Gonadotropin releasing hormone is released by the hypothalamus and stimulates the release of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary, Follicle Stimulating Hormone initiates follicular growth and further secretion of estrogen LH stimulates further development of the ovarian follicles, causes ovulation, promotes the formation of the corpus luteum; it also stimulates the production of estrogens, progesterone, relaxin, and inhibin

Feedback loops of the Ovaries There are three feedback loops that together control the menstrual cycle. In the first, FSH and LH are secreted to start the development of the follicle; the two of them work together to start the secretion of estrogen. The estrogen produced has a negative feedback on the FSH production, which stops its secretion. The second involves this estrogen produced; it causes a positive feedback to occur to the LH producing cells in the pituitary, increasing LH secretion. The third is another negative feedback loop. Following ovulation, the corpus luteum is formed from the follicle cell. This corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone, which work together and send negative feedback to inhibit the secretion of FSH and LH.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common disease of the ovaries It is caused by hormonal imbalance PCOS results in enlarged ovaries and the development of small cysts It can interrupt the menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy It can also cause acne, weight gain, hair thinning, and depression

Overview of Testes Twin oval-shaped organs within the scrotum, the pouch of skin located underneath the penis. The scrotum allows the testes to be held at a slightly lower temperature than the rest of the body. The testes secrete testosterone, which is an androgen (a male sex hormone).

Function of Testosterone During Adolescence Testosterone is involved in the following processes of puberty: Healthy development of male sex organs The growth of facial hair and body hair Lowering of the voice Increase in height and muscle mass Growth of the Adam’s Apple

Function of Testosterone During Adulthood In men, testosterone regulates sex drive, bone mass,muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm.

Regulation By Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland The hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland so that it releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH stimulates testosterone production, while FSH causes the testes to grow and quickens the production of an androgen-binding protein by Sertoli cells. FSH and LH are both necessary for the maturation of spermatozoa.

Feedback Loop of Testosterone The regulation of Testosterone occurs in a negative feedback loop. When testosterone levels are low, the hypothalamus releases GnRh, which stimulates the pituitary to release LH and FSH. These hormones cause the Leydig cells to increase testosterone production. Increasing levels of testosterone are picked up by the hypothalamus, which ceases to secrete GnRh, thus testosterone production will decrease.

Epididymitis Epididymitis is the most common affliction of the testes. It is an inflammation of the coiled tube located behind the testes which stores and carries sperm (the epididymis). Symptoms include pain, burning sensation during urination, swelling, and frequent urination. The cause is often bacterial infections or STDs.

Wroks Cited https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/ovary https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-testes https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research- matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men http://science.jrank.org/pages/4950/Ovarian-Cycle-Hormonal- Regulation.html https://www.webmd.com/women/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome- pcos-topic-overview#1