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How does the pituitary gland communicate with the ovaries and testes?

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Front view anatomical diagrams of the male and female reproductive systems, with labeled organs including penis, testis, prostate gland, uterus, ovary, and vagina. — human reproductive system Organs and structures of the male and female reproductive systems.

The pituitary gland communicates with the ovaries and testes primarily by secreting two gonadotropic hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The release of these hormones is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is produced in the hypothalamus.123

In the female, these hormones regulate the ovary:
* FSH stimulates the development of the graafian follicle.2
* LH promotes ovulation and the subsequent transformation of the follicle into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone.1

In the male, these hormones regulate the testes:
* FSH promotes the development of testicular tubules and the differentiation of sperm.2
* LH stimulates the interstitial cells to secrete testosterone.1

Both gonadotropins stimulate the gonads to produce steroid hormones, which in turn provide feedback to modulate the secretion of GnRH and gonadotropins, maintaining the reproductive axis.43