Give the full form of FSH. Name the gland that secretes it. How does it differ in function in males and females? What stops its secretion in females?

The full form of FSH is Follicle-Stimulating Hormone.

The gland that secretes FSH is the anterior pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain.

Function in Males and Females:
In males, FSH plays a crucial role in the regulation of spermatogenesis (the production of sperm) by stimulating the Sertoli cells within the testes. Sertoli cells support and nourish developing sperm cells.

In females, FSH is involved in the growth and development of ovarian follicles, which are structures in the ovaries that contain immature eggs. FSH promotes the maturation of these follicles and stimulates the production of estrogen by the granulosa cells within the follicles. This process is important for the menstrual cycle and eventual ovulation.

Control in Females:
In females, the secretion of FSH is regulated by a negative feedback mechanism involving hormones produced by the ovaries. As the ovarian follicles mature, they release increasing amounts of estrogen. Elevated levels of estrogen exert a negative feedback on the anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus, leading to a reduction in the secretion of FSH. This mechanism helps prevent excessive follicular development and maintains a balance in the menstrual cycle.

However, it's important to note that while estrogen provides negative feedback to FSH secretion, it has a positive feedback effect on the secretion of another hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), which is also important in the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

The surge in LH that occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, triggered by the positive feedback of high estrogen levels, is what ultimately leads to ovulation. The matured follicle releases the egg during ovulation, and this event also marks the transition from the follicular phase to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.