Gonads: Definition, Function and Sex Hormones

Gonads basically refer to the reproductive organs of males and females. It is a primary reproductive gland that is a part of the endocrine system. The male gonads i.e. testes produce the male sex hormones and the female gonads i.e. the ovary produce the female sex hormones. These organs are responsible for producing gametes in both males and females and they also produce sex hormones in individuals which are responsible for developing primary and secondary reproductive characteristics. In this article, we will discuss the male and female gonads, and their functions in detail.

What are Gonads?

Gonads are the reproductive glands in an organism that is responsible for producing sex cells and sex hormones in living beings. Gonads are present in both male and female bodies. Male gonads are referred to as the testicles or the testes which produce testosterone (male sex hormone). Similarly, the female gonads are called the ovaries that produce estrogen in a female body. 

Gonads: Sex Hormones

The gonads or reproductive glands in males and females produce gametes (sex cells) and sex hormones. Both men and women produce different sex hormones and these hormones are responsible for reproductive development in individuals. The hormones that stimulate the glands for the production of sex hormones are referred to as gonadotropins. The pituitary gland is responsible for secreting gonadotropins called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The ovaries and testes are stimulated by the LH while the FSH is responsible for the production of sperms and maturation of the sac that contains ova, known as ovarian follicles.

Male Gonad Hormones

The male gonad hormones, also called androgen, are responsible for the development of the reproductive organs in the male body. They play a significant role in the maturation of the male reproductive system and in producing sex hormones. The different hormones produced by the male gonads are explained below:

• Testosterone: The testosterone hormone is produced by the testes. It is an essential hormone for the growth of muscle mass, bone density, hair, body hair, and penis. Besides, testosterone also brings behavioral changes, deepens the voice, and leads to changes in appearance.
• Androstenedione: It is an indication of testosterone and estrogen. Androstenedione maintains and regulates its production within the body of an individual.
• Inhibin: These are the hormones that prevent the release of a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It also helps in the development and regulation of sperms.

Female Gonad Hormones

Like males, androgens are also present in females. The female body naturally produces a very little amount of androgen compared to that of a male's body. It is produced in the female gonad i.e., the ovaries, and is responsible for the stimulation of the pubic area in females. It also contributes to the development of hair growth in the underarms and reproduction. There are basically two types of female gonad hormones, estrogen, and progesterone.

• Estrogen: Estrogens are female sex hormones that are responsible for reproduction in the female body. It helps in the development and growth of the vagina, uterus, and the overall female reproductive system. Estrogens bring other physical changes as well such as a change in appearance, widening of the breasts and pelvis, and an increase in body hair growth.
• Progesterone: This hormone is responsible for preparing the uterus for conception. Progesterone regulates the uterus during the menstrual cycle. It also helps in the production of milk in the breasts during the period of pregnancy and stimulates other glands.

Functions of Gonads

The male and female gonads perform various functions throughout the body of an individual. The major functions of gonads are as follows:

• Gonads help in the maturation of the reproductive system in males and females.
• They produce sex hormones and gametes (sex cells) in individuals.
• It helps in the process of cell division.
• It also helps in the development of secondary sex characteristics in men and women.

Things to Remember

• The process through which male gamete is produced is known as spermatogenesis.
• The process of female gamete production is known as oogenesis.
• The male gonads i.e. testes produce the male sex hormones and the female gonads i.e. the ovary produce the female sex hormones.
• The overall functions of the male gonads are supported by interstitial cells, Sertoli cells, and blood vessels.
• The uterus, part of the female reproductive system, is build up of some of the strongest muscles in a human body.
• The reproductive cycle in a female body starts during puberty and ends at menopause.
• The male sperms mainly consist of 4 parts: the head, the neck, the middle piece, and the tail.
• Menopause occurs between the age of 45 - 50 in a female body.