Which glands produce sex hormones that influence development and reproduction?

• A. Gonads
• B. Pineal gland
• C. Adrenal glands
• D. Pancreas

Answer: (A)

Sex hormones that influence development and reproduction come primarily from the gonads, the ovaries and testes. These glands produce the main sex hormones: estrogens and progesterone in females, and testosterone in males. They regulate puberty, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and the production of gametes (eggs and sperm). The gonads respond to signals from the brain through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, with GnRH prompting the pituitary to release LH and FSH, which stimulate the gonads to produce their hormones. Other glands like the pineal, adrenal, and pancreas contribute hormones that affect sleep, metabolism, and stress responses, but they are not the primary sources driving sexual development and reproduction.