Somewhere, OVA-RY rainbow...

Female's Ultimate Weapons: THE OVARIES

The female reproductive organ which produces and releases sex hormones that govern physical characteristics and fertility. These two almond-shaped organs are essential for  ensuring the continued survival of  species by producing ova, or eggs, which are intended for fertilization.

 

ESTROGEN

Estrogen is primarily secreted by Corpus luteum. It works on breast development. It also induced growth of glandular and ductal tissue. It also facilitates the development of sex organs and other tissues related to reproduction and stimulation of endometrium before ovulation. It also takes part of bone growth and protective effect on heart. At pregnancy, it stimulates growth of uterus and breast tissue, inhibit active milk production, and relax pelvic ligaments. This hormone mainly targets External and internal reproductive organs and breast

PROGESTERONE

Progesterone is also one of the main hormones produced by corpus luteum. This hormone is also secreted by  placenta. This acts by stimulating secretion of endometrial glands which causes endometrial vessels to become dilated and tortuous in preparation for possible embryo implantation. At pregnancy, it induces growth of cells of fallopian tubes and uterine lining to nourish embryo; decreases contractions of uterus. This hormone also prepares breasts for lactation but inhibits prolactin secretion. This targets uterus and breast of a female individual.

RELAXIN AND INHIBIN

Relaxin, also secreted by corpus luteum which contributes to the flexibility of pubic symphysis during pregnancy and  dilation uterine cervix during labor and delivery. This targets uterus, uterine cervix and pubic symphysis.

Inhibin, on the other hand, is secreted by granulose cells of growing follicles and by the corpus luteum. This is the only one which inhibits the secretion of FSH and LH from anterior pituitary in which its name was derived. 

IF I WERE YOU.....DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN

REFERENCES:

1.    An Overview of the Ovaries - Estrogen, Progesterone, and Reproduction. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-ovaries

2.    Tortora, G. J., &Derrickson, B. (2009). Principles of anatomy and physiology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

3.    Your hormones | The Pituitary Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pituitary.org.uk/information/what-is-the-pituitary-gland/hormones/

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