Homeostatic mechanisms and their effects on the reproductive system

Homeostatis, a term which refers to the maintenance of the internal state of a given body that is quite distinct from the external environment in an effort of defending it against perturbation is an important element of every male and female on the planet. In this paper we attempt to explain how homeostatic mechanisms affect the homeostasis of the Reproductive system.

How homeostatic mechanisms affect the male reproductive system

The hypothalamus produces the hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which controls the anterior pituitary gonadotropins. The anterior pituitary gonadotropins then releases Folicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH).The Folicle stimulating hormone (FSH) then indirectly stimulates spermatogenesis by simulating sustentacular cells to effectively release andogen-binding protein (ABP).The andogen-binding protein (ABP)

then prompts the spermatogenic cells to effectively bind while also concentrating testosterone which then stimulates spermatogenesis.

The Luteinizing hormone (LH) effectively binds to the interstitial cells which then secretes testosterone and a little bit of estrogen. The hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary are subject to the homeostatic feedback mechanism. The testosterone effectively inhibits the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland. The hormone Inhibin (a protein hormone) which is produced by the body's sustentacular (Sertoli) cells effectively inhibits the upstream hormone release so as to maintain the production of sperms.

How homeostatic mechanisms affect the male reproductive system

In females, the hypothalamus-pituitary complex as apart of the homeostatic mechanism regulates the production of the ovarian hormones (progesterone and estrogen) with the gonadotropins (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone). The ovarian hormone then regulates the gonadotropins via the negative feedback. The start of puberty is effectively marked with the release of the hormone, GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) from the hypothalamus. The gonadotropin releasing hormone- GnRH then activates the pituitary gland which then releases the FSH.The FSH then travels via the blood to the ovary where it stimulates the development of follicles. The follicles then secretes estrogen. The rising estrogen level then leads to a reduction in the production of the LH hormone. As the levels of LH rises, the process of ovulation takes place. After the ovulation process, the LH then causes the transformation of the follicular cell into corpus luteum in the luteal phase. The Corpus luteum then secretes estrogen and progesterone. The estrogen and progesterone then increases the development of the endometrium which also inhibits the release of both LH and FSH.A reduction in the levels of LH and FSH then leads to the deterioration of the state of the corpus luteum as well as the decrease in the production of both estrogen and progesterone (Atkins,2006)(see appendix).The hormonal regulation of the male and female reproduction is a clear indication of the role that is played by the homeostatic mechanism in the regulation of male and female reproduction.