Gonads are called the primary organs of the reproductive system. In the male body, these are the testes, and in the female, the ovaries. Gonads enable a person to recreate offspring and have an extensive effect on the body. Many people wonder what gonads are when they first hear such a term. In other words, these are the sex glands that are responsible for the sexual maturation of the body, the formation of appearance, as well as mental and physiological qualities.
Features
The sex glands in biology are gonads. They have an important effect on the human body. To a greater extent, they regulate the maturation process, they are needed for sexual reproduction. They also produce hormones for the formation and growth of primary and secondary reproductive organs. Gonads are components of the endocrine system and are classified as steroid hormones. They are able to penetrate the cell membrane in order to affect the expression of genes in cells. The production of hormones is regulated by hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain.
Gonad formation
The formation and development of gonads occurs together with the excretory organs. They are organized from two types of tissue. First, the somatic mesenchyme forms the matrix, and then the reproductive tissue gives rise to the germ cells. In both men and women, gonads are among the glands of mixed secretion. They are laid during the period of intrauterine development, and their formation occurs throughout the entire childhood period.
The biological effect of gonads
The influence of the gonads is similar to growth hormones. After numerous laboratory studies, scientists came to the conclusion that it is impossible to isolate any single hormone in the human body. The main functions of the gonad include the secretion of milk and progesterone. All gonadotropic hormones require a systematic interaction, since only in this case the body can be provided with the full-fledged activity of the systems. Gonadotropin hormone provides stimulation of the anterior pituitary lobe and affects the functioning of the gonads. Among other things, the hormone activates the maturation of sperm and egg cells.
Female gonads
From the anatomical structure of the female body it is clear that the fair sex has two sex glands.
These are the bartholin glands and ovaries. In adulthood, the ovaries produce sex hormones and initiate the development of eggs. With the onset of reproductive age, ovarian activity is subject to the menstrual cycle. On the first day of the cycle, the follicle matures. Then ovulation occurs in the middle.
The ovaries produce special hormones, on which the reproductive function of a woman directly depends. Among other things, hormones in the female body make it possible to ensure normal functioning, health and condition.
Men's gonads
Men are less likely than women to think about their health and anatomical features, so not many people know what gonads are. The male sex glands are a system of spermatogenous tubules in which sperm production occurs.
All the vital activities of male gonads are destined for products. The testes produce sperm, the secretion is given by the prostate gland, and Cooper glands are responsible for the production of secretory fluid. What tasks do gonads perform? Male genitals perform the following functions:
- support physiological attraction;
- responsible for the process of reproduction of children;
- contribute to the formation of secondary male characteristics;
- form and transfer sperm;
- promote tissue growth.
In the event of a lack of hormones, irreversible processes such as infertility, impotence may begin to form in the male body, and a depressed state will also begin to develop.
The functioning of the male reproductive organs is inextricably linked to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. All hormones that are produced by the testes are called androgens. Each hormone is responsible for a specific function. For example, testosterone activates muscle growth and is responsible for arousal. Androsterone promotes the formation of masculine qualities and plays the role of pheromone, and dihydrotesterone initiates the process of cell growth of the prostate gland and hair growth. The proper functioning of hormones in the body is very important, because otherwise it can provoke the development of serious complications.
Pathologies of male gonads
What are gonads, we found out. Now you need to decide what diseases they can lead to. One of the most common pathologies is considered torsion. What it is? Torsion is a defective rotation of the spermatic cord. This injury can be experienced by trauma or damage to the scrotum, as well as extreme strain of the press or abnormalities in the process of testicular formation.
How is this manifested? The following signs indicate a man's testicular torsion:
- pain in the testicle, extending to the inguinal region;
- nausea and vomiting;
- the appearance of puffiness or compaction in the scrotum;
- rapid urination and anxiety.
Female gonad diseases
In the female body, diseases such as torsion of the ovary and its legs, ovarian cysts and torsion of the legs of the tumor can develop in the gonads.
Torsion of the ovary and its appendages is a serious disorder. It requires immediate cure. Pathology can be caused by birth factors, as well as diseases of the reproductive system.
When you twist the ovary, a woman has the following indicators:
- there is severe pain in the lower abdomen, which can give both to the back, ribs, and to the side;
- there is a feeling of nausea and vomiting may occur;
- stool disorders occur;
- upon contact with the lower abdomen, the patient feels severe pain;
- body temperature increases greatly.
A cyst is diagnosed to women relatively often. Such a diagnosis requires surgical intervention. It is strictly forbidden to ignore cystic education, as this can lead to the development of serious consequences. Human gonads have a huge impact on health and overall well-being. Therefore, it is extremely important when signs that indicate a deviation appear, immediately seek qualified medical help.
Gonad dysgenesis
What it is? Gonad dysgenesis is an incomplete development of the gonads. Violation refers to intrauterine developmental pathologies. The following factors can provoke the development of a congenital form of gonadal dysgenesis:
- smoking while carrying a child;
- the use of alcohol during the gestation period;
- consumption of organic and inorganic nitrates;
- living in areas with the highest level of ionizing radiation;
- prolonged stressful situations;
- prolonged toxicosis;
- viral, infectious or fungal diseases during pregnancy.
How to cope with this pathology? Treatment should be carried out only by qualified specialists.
Gonadal disorders
Few people know what gonads are, and what disorders in the body they can provoke. Most often, gonadal disorders are provoked by violations of the structure of functions in the human body. Such disorders have a direct effect on the ovaries. Disorders can cause abnormalities such as ovarian cancer, cysts, or torsion. In the female body, gonadal disorders are associated with hormonal abnormalities of the endocrine system. In men, abnormalities can trigger testicular cancer, inflammation of the appendages, and testicular failure.
Conclusion
So, we examined what gonads are and what functions they perform. If any disorders are detected, immediate treatment should be started.