Role Of Testosterone In Male Reproduction And Spermatogenesis

Role Of Testosterone In Male Reproduction And Spermatogenesis

Testosterone.
Answer:

It is the principal male sex hormone.

Testosterone Synthesis:

• Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol in the leydig cells of testis.
• It is also formed by the adrenal cortex

Total plasma concentration:

• In adult men-3 300-1000 ng/dl
• In adult women-30-70 ng/dl

Testosterone Functions:

1. Role in spermatogenesis.

• Promotes and maintains the motility of:

2. In fetus.

• It is responsible for sex differentiation.
• If testosterone is secreted in fetus, male sex organs develop from wolffian duct.
• In absence of testosterone, female sex organs develop from mullerian duct.

3. Development of accessory sex organs.

• It stimulates development and growth of male accessory sex organ.s
• Its action increases at the time of puberty.

4. On testis.

• Testosterone is necessary for descent of testis.

5. General effects.

• Produces proteins anabolism and decreases catabolism.
  • On bone.
    • Causes broadening of shoulders.
    • Causes early fusion of epiphysis of bones.
    • Increases size and strength of bones.
  • On skin.
    • Increases thickness of skin.
    • Increases sebaceous secretion.
  • On distribution of hair.
    • Pubic hair appears and attains male pattern Decreases hair growth on the head.
  • On voice.
    • Causes hypertrophy of laryngeal muscles. Voice becomes deeper and low-pitched.
  • On BMR.
    • It increases BMR to about 5-10%.
    • Electrolyte and water balance.
    • Increases sodium reabsorption and water retention.
  • On erythropoeisis.
    • Stimulates production of erythropoietin, thus increases the number of RBC.