The gonads are controlled by luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, produced and secreted by gonadotropes or gonadotrophins in the anterior pituitary gland. This secretion is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone produced in the hypothalamus.

How are gonads formed?

Gonads appear initially as a pair of longitudinal genital or gonadal ridges at the 4–5th week. Primitive gonads are formed by the proliferation of germ cells, which migrate from the yolk sac and undergo condensation of the underlying mesenchyme in the sixth week.

Where are gonads produced?

The female gonads, the ovaries, are a pair of reproductive glands. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus, and they have two functions: They produce eggs and female hormones.