Question:

(a) Draw a flow chart to show hormonal control of the human male reproductive system.

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Hypothalamus gives GnRH, the pituitary gives LH and FSH. LH acts on Leydig cells for androgens and FSH on Sertoli cells for sperm formation.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: What the flow chart shows:
A labelled flow chart is expected. Here the boxes and arrows are written in the order in which they would be drawn.
The control starts in the brain and works through the testis.

Step 2: Flow chart, from the top:
Box 1: Hypothalamus. Arrow down: it secretes GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone).
Box 2: Anterior pituitary. It secretes two gonadotropins, LH (luteinising hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).
Branch 1: LH acts on the Leydig (interstitial) cells of the testis. They secrete androgens, mainly testosterone.
Branch 2: FSH acts on the Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules. They secrete factors that help in spermiogenesis.

Step 3: End results and feedback:
Androgens stimulate spermatogenesis, support the male accessory organs and give the male secondary sexual characters.
Androgens also act as negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary, and inhibin from the Sertoli cells reduces FSH.
This keeps the hormone levels balanced.

Final Answer:
Hypothalamus (GnRH) to anterior pituitary (LH and FSH). LH to Leydig cells to androgens to spermatogenesis. FSH to Sertoli cells to factors to spermiogenesis. Androgens and inhibin give negative feedback.
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