Gonads:

The gonads, the primary reproductive organs, are the ​testes in the male ​and​ the ovaries​ in the
female.​ These organs are responsible for producing the ​sperm​ and ​ova,​ but they also secrete
hormones and are considered to be ​endocrine glands.

Testes:
​ nder the effects of FSH
Testes secrets male sex hormone, called ​androgen​(​testosterone)​ ​, u
(​secreted from ant. Pituitary lobe​) at puberty.
Production of testosterone begins during fetal development, continues for a short time after
birth, but nearly ceases(stop) during childhood, and then resumes at puberty.
Function of Testosterone
This steroid hormone is responsible for:

● The growth and development of the male reproductive structures

● Increased skeletal and muscular growth
● Enlargement of the larynx accompanied by voice changes
● Growth and distribution of body hair
● Increased male sexual drive
● Testosterone secretion is regulated by a negative feedback system that involves
releasing hormones from the hypothalamus and gonadotropins from the anterior
pituitary.

Ovaries:

These are primary sex organ in females. These are located in pelvic cavity. These are one pair
in number. Ovaries serve to produce ​ova​ ​(​female gametes) ​and also produce ​female sex
hormones​ (​oestrogen​ and ​progesterone​) , under the effect of FSH and LH ( from ant. Lobe of
pituitary), at onset of puberty.
Function :
1-Oestrogen​ --

● These steroid hormones contribute to the development and function of the female
reproductive organs.
● At the onset of puberty, estrogens stimulate the development of female ​secondary sex
characteristics like-

● The development of the breasts.

● Distribution of fat evidenced in the hips, legs, and breast.
● Maturation of reproductive organs such as the uterus and vagina.
● Oestrogen also affects the behavior- shyness and interest in opposite sex.
● These promote the maturation of ova.
 ● Oestrogen also help in growth of uterine endometrium during each menstrual cycle.

2-Progesterone :
It is secreted by ​corpus luteum​ of ovary, under the effect of ​LH​ of ant.
Pituitary.
Function:

● Progesterone stimulates development of uterine epithelium after ovulation, in

preparation for pregnancy.
● It is secreted throughout the pregnancy period in high amounts, for preventing the
contraction in uterine wall and help in the formation of ​placenta.
● It helps​ to form a mucus plug at cervix, during pregnancy.
● It increase basal body temperature.
● Together, progesterone and estrogens are responsible for the changes that occur in the
uterus during the female menstrual cycle.
3-Relaxin:
It is secreted by corpus luteum only during later stage of pregnancy.
Function-
● It helps to soften ligaments, especially those that hold the pubic symphysis together.
● It therefore helps to widen the pelvic cavity.
● It may also affect other ligaments e. g. Foot ligaments. Women may experience an
increase in their foot size, following pregnancy.

PINIEAL GLAND:

Pineal Gland:

The pineal gland, also called ​pineal​ ​body​ or ​epiphysis cerebri​, is a small
cone-shaped structure that extends posteriorly from the ​third ventricle of the brain.​ The pineal
gland consists of portions of neurons, neuroglial cells, and specialized secretory cells called
pinealocytes.
Hormone and it's function
The pinieal gland secrete the hormone ​melatonin​ , directly into the cerebrospinal fluid,
which takes it into the blood. ​Melatonin affects reproductive development and daily physiologic
cycles. ​ Pinieal gland also seve as a ​biological clock

THYMUS GLAND:

The thymus is a soft lymphoid organ ,located behind the breastbone and
between the lungs. In relation to the organs in the human body, the thymus is a two-lobed
structure that lies almost on top of the heart and traces up along the trachea. The thymus gland
is more or less triangular in shape and has two lobes that are encased in a fibrous exterior.
Hormone:-
. One of its main secretions is the hormone ​thymosin.
Thymosin stimulates the maturation of T cells, which are derivatives of white blood cells
that circulate our system. Thus thymosin has an important role in immune function.