Answered: What is the HPG axis?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Question

What is the HPG axis?

Expert Solution

Step 1

The HPG axis refers to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis consisting of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and gonads as individual glands. It plays a role in development and regulation of reproductive and immune systems.

Step 2

Hypothalamus located in the brain secretes Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) by GnRH expressing neurons. The anterior pituitary synthesizes Leutinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The gonads synthesize estrogen and testosterone.

The GnRH travels to the anterior pituitary via the hypophyseal portal system and binds to the receptors on secretory cells of the adenohypophysis. These then produce LH and FSH that travel in the bloodstream.