Hormonal Feedback in Human Reproduction

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Feedback is defined as the information about the gap between the actual level and the reference level of a system parameter which is used to alter the gap in some way, where feedback mechanism then is defined as the action or means used to modify the gap. In humans, this feedback mechanism is applied to mostly hormones. Some control blood glucose levels or blood pressure, but others control cycles concerned in reproduction. Since there exists two genders to humans, males and females, two different feedback mechanisms exist for controlling reproduction. Male Reproductive Hormones In males, at puberty, the hypothalamus secretes GnRH. This gonadotropin-releasing hormone, stimulates the anterior pituitary to release two gonadotropins; Luteinising Hormone (or ICSH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone. The LH stimulates the Leydig Cells to secrete Testosterone. Testosterone stimulates growth and development of the spermatogonia. It also activates genes in the Sertoli cells, which promote differentiation of spermatogonia. Testosterone inhibits the production of GnRH and ICSH, and also stimulates development of the secondary sexual characteristics. The FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells to enter spermatogenesis and maturation of sperm. FSH also stimulates the Sertoli cells to secrete Inhibin, which exerts negative feedback on FSH production. Female Reproductive Hormones In females, at puberty, the Hypothalamus secretes GnRH, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete LH and FSH, where then FSH targets the granulosa cells in the ovaries. These granulosa cells secrete Oestrogen which triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the menarche, the first menstrual cycle. To every menstrual cycle, there are two stages; the Follicular phase and the Luteal phase, which in between there is ovulation. In the Follicular phase, FSH stimulates

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