L2.3.9: Gonads

• GONADS

  ● Ovaries

  ○ Female gonads located in the pelvic cavity

  ○ Produce ova or eggs

  ● Testes

  ○ Male gonads suspended outside the pelvic cavity

  ○ Produce sperm
• HORMONES OF THE OVARIES

  ● Produces steroid hormones

  ○ ESTROGEN

  ■ Stimulate the development of secondary female characteristics

  ■ Mature the female reproductive organs

  ○ PROGESTERONE

  ■ Helps in the implantation of an embryo in the uterus

  ■ Helps prepare breasts for lactation

  ○ Both promote breast development

  ○ Both regulate menstrual cycle
• HORMONES OF THE TESTES

  ● Produces several androgens

  ○ TESTOSTERONE

  ■ Most important androgen

  ■ Responsible for adult male secondary characteristics

  ■ Promotes growth and maturation of male reproductive system

  ■ Required for sperm cell production