BI459 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Seminiferous Tubule, Male Accessory Gland, Sertoli Cell
Document Summary
Reproduction is influenced by environmental variables that are perceived and integrated by the central nervous system. Communication between endocrine and nervous system via the hpg axis: coordination of specific gonadal events through regulation by circulating gonadotropins (fsh & lh) Fsh control of gametogenesis (oogenesis in females and spermatogenesis in males) Lh mainly responsible for controlling androgen synthesis as well as release of gametes in both sexes. The gonadal axis is modified by other systems, especially the hpt and the hpa axes. Involves development of genital system: gonads (gametes, endocrine function, sexual duct systems, external genitalia, (at puberty) secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development and hair patterns. Male phenotype involves hormones produced by testis. Female phenotype develops in the absence of these male influences and required the expression of specific genes: active expression. Components: testes (sex hormones, gametogenesis, ducts, accessory glands, external genitalia (penis + scrotum) Functions: production of spermatozoa by spermatogenesis, (endocrine) production of androgens (male sex hormones)
