Introduction to Gonads
During puberty, both the male and the female bodies go through numerous changes, and the most obvious ones are an increase in height, change in voice tone, and body shape. Also, there is an increase in the activity of sebaceous and sweat glands and the development of sex organs and secondary sexual traits which are prevalent during adolescence.
Importantly, these hormones play a significant role in the overall growth and development of the human body and the functioning of its organs. In this article, you will be introduced to one of the vital hormone-secreting organs called gonads, the meaning of gonads, and their function.
Gonads
The Gonads are a part of the endocrine system, and gonads are known as the male and female reproductive organs. Ovaries are the female gonad while testes are the male gonad, and they are responsible for producing sex hormones in our bodies.
Functions of Gonads
The Gonads are the most vital hormone-secreting organ in the human body, the functions of the gonads are given below:
Secretion of sex hormones.
Production of gametes.
It facilitates cell division, especially meiosis.
They are indirectly responsible for controlling the maturation of reproductive organs.
They are responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics in both males and females.
Male Gonad Hormones
Androgens, also known as the ‘male hormone’ is responsible for the maturation of the male reproductive system.
The Primary Male Gonads Hormones are –
Testosterone: These hormones are essential for the growth of bone, muscle and body hair and are produced by testes. It is also responsible for the growth of the penis, deepening voice and appearance of facial hair.
Inhibin: Essentially, inhibin obstructs the release of follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH. It also regulates the development and regulation of sperm cells.
Androstenedione: They are forerunners of oestrogen and testosterone and promote and regulate their production within the body.
Female Gonadal Hormones
Androgens are also present in females and are produced in their ovaries, fat cells and adrenal glands. They are responsible for stimulating hair growth in the underarms and pubic area in females.
These are the Primary Female Gonads –
Oestrogens: They aid in the development of the female reproductive system and facilitate reproduction. For instance, oestrogens promote the growth of a uterus, maturation of vagina, widening of breasts and pelvis.
Progesterone: They help to prepare a uterus for conception and are also responsible for regulating it during the menstrual cycle. Progesterone also plays a key role in milk production during pregnancy and even for stimulating glands.
Notably, both over and underproduction of gonadal hormones is often responsible for several disorders in males and females. Typically, factors like long-term illness, inherited disease, poor lifestyle choices, etc. are responsible for hypo or hyperproduction of gonadal hormones.
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FAQs on Gonads
1. What are the functions of male gonads hormones?
Testes produce the male gonad hormones, the Primary Male Gonads Hormones and their functions are:
Testosterone: These hormones are extremely essential for the growth of bone, muscle, and body hair and are produced by testes. It is also responsible for the growth of the penis, deepening of voice baritone, and appearance of facial hair.
Inhibin: Primarily, inhibin obstructs the release of follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH. It also helps in the regulation of the development and regulation of sperm cells.
Androstenedione: They are forerunners of estrogen and testosterone which promote and regulate their production within the body.
2. Why are the functions of the female gonad hormones?
The Androgens are also present in females and are produced in their ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands. They are responsible for stimulating hair growth in the underarms and pubic areas among females.
The Primary Female Gonads and their functions are:–
Oestrogens: They help in the development of the female reproductive system and facilitate reproduction. For example, oestrogens promote the growth of a uterus, maturation of the vagina, widening of breasts and pelvis.
Progesterone: They help to prepare a uterus for conception and are also responsible for regulating it during the menstrual cycle. Progesterone also plays a key role in milk production during pregnancy and even in stimulating the mammary gland.
3. What is the importance of gonads for the human body?
Gonads are the most vital hormone-secreting organ in the human body as they are responsible for inducing the primary and secondary sexual characters in the body. Not only are these changes experienced in the sexual organs but the entire body undergoes massive changes during this period. The height of the individual increases along with changes in the voice baritone. There are several mental effects of these changes as the individual becomes more conscious of their body.
4. What can be done to increase the awareness about sexual health among females?
Girls who are in the age group of 11-13 start experiencing changes in their bodies. These changes are specifically significant for girls as they experience puberty before men and this also affects their social interactions and mental health. Issues such as menstrual health and sexual hygiene must be made part of the school curriculum as proper awareness about these issues help in breaking the taboo around this issue, there are still women who do not have access to sanitary napkins and proper hygiene during their menstrual cycles which should be taken up as a priority project by the society.
5. What are the changes that boys and girls experience during their adolescent age respectively?
The changes which are experienced in the bodies of men and women are both similar and different in some senses, the similar changes include an increase in their heights along with the growth of hair under the armpits and near their private parts while there are some changes which are experienced by girls alone like the development of breasts and widening of hips. The Boys experience a deepening of their voice along with the development of muscles along with their hands and shoulders. Proper awareness must be brought in the society to tackle the physical and mental challenges faced by youngsters of this age group.
6. What is the Definition of Gonads?
As per gonads’ definition, they are organs which create gametes. In males, gonads are the testes while in females it is ovaries.
7. What Hormone is Secreted by the Testes?
The testes secrete a hormone called testosterone. It aids in the development of sexual organs in males along with the development of secondary sexual traits like deepening of the voice, appearance of facial hair, etc.
8. What are the Functions of Gonad?
The most significant gonads’ functions include – production of gametes and sex hormone. The steroid hormones released by gonads facilitate the growth and maturation of sexual organs in both males and females.
