McGonads (I'm lovin' it)

McGonads (I'm lovin' it)

Why love gonads? 

Gonads = Life. Without gonads, reproduction would be impossible. And without reproduction, life would eventually come to an end. 

Basically, gonads are part of the endocrine and the reproductive system of both sexes. The female organs are called ovaries, while testes are those in males. In addition to producing gametes (which is their primary function), they also produce hormones. Prior to producing hormones, male and female gonads are first stimulated by sex hormones, called gonadotropins, from the anterior pituitary which are the: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). 

       
        These hormones influence the gonads in various ways. LH stimulates the testes and the ovaries to secrete hormones. FSH, on the other hand, aids in the maturation of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. 

FOR THE GUYS OUT THERE:

Your gonads, the Testes, are responsible for producing millions of tiny sperm cells and testosterone. 
Testosterone is the most potent hormone belonging to the androgen group causing the development of male sex characteristics and maintains sex drive. However, it is more than just a male hormone. It increases red blood cell population (a good thing if you have anemia) and helps maintain a feeling of well-being. Particularly, this hormone in your body is responsible for the development of broad shoulders, deepening of your voice, growth of the penis, increased bone and muscle mass and rapid body hair growth. 

NOW, FOR THE LADIES:

The Ovaries are your gonads that produce the hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones ensure the proper development of the female sex characteristics and ensure fertility. 

Progesterone and Estrogen are both necessary for prepping the uterus prior to menstruation. Other functions of these hormones include: production and release of the egg cell, controlling sexual feelings and desire, prevent miscarriage/aid in pregnancy, and prepare the breasts for lactation. 

THANK YOU, HORMONES!

Wait! There's more...

DID YOU KNOW?

            ♀ Females are born 

with all the 

 eggs they'll ever have.

 

♂ Males don't start to make sperm until puberty, and 
   continue to make 
new supplies their  whole life. 

P.S. Love your gonads before they become goneads.

This blog post would not be possible without the following sources:

• Boundless. “Male and Female Gonads.” Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. Boundless, 27 Jun. 2014. Retrieved 03 Feb. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/the-endocrine-system-16/other-endocrine-tissues-and-organs-160/male-and-female-gonads-803-673/
• University of Rochester Medical Center. 2015. “The Endocrine System: Gonads”. Pediatric Endocrinology – Golisano Children’s Hospital [Internet]. Retrieved 03 Feb. 2015 from : http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/endocrinology/gonads.aspx
• Bailey R. 2015. Gonads-Testes and Ovaries Overview [Internet]. Retrieved 03 Feb. 2015 from : http://biology.about.com/od/humananatomybiology/ss/gonads.htm