What do increased FSH and LH cause in the gonads during puberty?

What do increased FSH and LH cause in the gonads during puberty?

• A. Adrenal androgen production
• B. Growth hormone release
• C. Thyroid hormone synthesis
• D. Sex steroidogenesis and then gametogenesis in the gonads

Answer: (D)

Rising FSH and LH at puberty activate the gonads to do two main jobs: produce sex steroids and start gonadal gamete formation. FSH acts on Sertoli cells in the testes and granulosa cells in the ovaries to support meiosis and maturation of germ cells (gametogenesis). LH acts on the steroid-producing cells—Leydig cells in the testes and theca cells in the ovaries—to generate sex steroids like testosterone and estrogen. These hormones drive the development of sexual characteristics and further maturation, while enabling gamete production. That combination is why the best answer links increased FSH and LH to both sex steroidogenesis and then gametogenesis in the gonads.

Rising FSH and LH at puberty activate the gonads to do two main jobs: produce sex steroids and start gonadal gamete formation. FSH acts on Sertoli cells in the testes and granulosa cells in the ovaries to support meiosis and maturation of germ cells (gametogenesis). LH acts on the steroid-producing cells—Leydig cells in the testes and theca cells in the ovaries—to generate sex steroids like testosterone and estrogen. These hormones drive the development of sexual characteristics and further maturation, while enabling gamete production. That combination is why the best answer links increased FSH and LH to both sex steroidogenesis and then gametogenesis in the gonads.