Chapter 22, Problem 1E

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The gonadotropins are the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary. The hormones act on the gonads to increase the production of the sex hormones and also stimulates the production of ova in females and sperm in males.

Answer to Problem 1E

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (c) GnRH.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (c) GnRH. The initiation of puberty is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is secreted by the hypothalamus. GnRH further stimulates the secretion of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary. The gonadotropin hormones regulate the function of the gonads. So, the correct answer is option (c).

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) Inhibin. Inhibin hormone is produced and secreted by the gonads (in males, by Sertoli cells and in females, by the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles) and inhibits the synthesis of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (b) Androgens. Androgen is of two types, namely testosterone and androstenedione. Androgen is responsible for the development and stability of secondary sex-specific characters, the formation of sex-ducts, and sex-glands in males. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (d) FSH. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin hormone that stimulates the development of ovarian follicles in the female and seminiferous tubules and production of sperms in the male. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (e) GHRH. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete growth hormone (GH). So, this is an incorrect answer.

Conclusion

In both males and females, gonadotropin secretion by the anterior pituitary is stimulated by the GnRH. Hence, the correct answer is option (c) GnRH.