Follicle Stimulating Hormone
(FSH) is a glycoprotein
gonadotropin
hormone secreted
by the anterior pituitary
gland (an
endocrine gland in the human body).
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Follicle stimulating hormone (and
also luteinizing
hormone) bind to receptors
in the testes (in males) and the ovaries (in females), and regulate
gonadal function by promoting sex steroid production and "gametogenesis"
- i.e. the processes by which spermatoza and ova are formed.
The role of follicle stimulating hormone is
slightly different in men and women. |
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The actions of follicle stimulating
hormone in men include: |
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Stimulating testicular growth
and enhancing the production of a protein
that causes high local concentrations
of testosterone near the sperm - which is an essential factor
in the development of normal spermatogenesis;
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Follicle stimulating hormone (and also luteinizing hormone)
are essential for the maturation of spermatoza (mature male
sex cells). |
The actions of follicle stimulating
hormone in women include:
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Controlling the development of ovarian follicles (vessels
inside the ovaries within which ova develop); |
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In conjunction with luteinizing hormone, controlling the
secretion of oestrogen from ovarian follicles. |
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For further general/summary information including the locations of the
endocrine glands, visit the page about Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body.
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