What is the target organs for Luteinizing Hormone and the Follicle Stimulating Hormone?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are called gonadotropins because stimulate the gonads - in males, the testes, and in females, the ovaries. They are not necessary for life, but are essential for reproduction. These two hormones are secreted from cells in the anterior pituitary called gonadotrophs. Most gonadotrophs secrete only LH or FSH, but some appear to secrete both hormones.

As describef for thyroid-simulating hormone, LH and FSH are large glycoproteins composed of alpha and beta subunits. The alpha subunit is identical in all three of these anterior pituitary hormones, while the beta subunit is unique and endows each hormone with the ability to bind its own receptor.

In both sexes, LH stimulates secretion of sex steroids from the gonads. In the testes, LH binds to receptors on Leydig cells, stimulating synthesis and secretion of testosterone. Theca cells in the ovary respond to LH stimulation by secretion of testosterone, which is converted into estrogen by adjacent granulosa cells.

In females, ovulation of mature follicles on the ovary is induced by a large burst of LH secretion known as the preovulatory LH surge. Residual cells within ovulated follicles proliferate to form corpora lutea, which secrete the steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol. Progesterone is necessary for maintenance of pregnancy, and, in most mammals, LH is required for continued development and function of corpora lutea. The name luteinizing hormone derives from this effect of inducing luteinization of ovarian follicles.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

As its name implies, FSH stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles. Administration of FSH to humans and animals induces "superovulation", or development of more than the usual number of mature follicles and hence, an increased number of mature gametes.

FSH is also critical for sperm production. It supports the function of Sertoli cells, which in turn support many aspects of sperm cell maturation.

The target organs for luteinizing hormone (LH) are the ovaries in females and the testes in males.

In females, LH stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone, and triggers ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries.

In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone by cells in the testes, which is important for the development and maintenance of reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

The target organs for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are also the ovaries in females and the testes in males.

In females, FSH plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs. It promotes the growth and development of follicles and stimulates the production of estrogen. FSH also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.

In males, FSH is involved in the production of sperm. It stimulates the growth and maturation of the cells in the testes called Sertoli cells, which are responsible for supporting and nourishing developing sperm cells.

Therefore, the target organs for LH are the ovaries in females and the testes in males, while the target organs for FSH are also the ovaries in females and the testes in males.

The target organs for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are different in males and females.

In males:
- LH acts on the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating the production of testosterone.
- FSH acts on the Sertoli cells in the testes, promoting spermatogenesis (production of sperm).

In females:
- LH acts on the ovary, specifically on the cells surrounding the developing egg (follicle), to stimulate ovulation.
- FSH acts on the ovary as well, mainly on the follicles within the ovary, promoting their maturation and growth.

To determine the target organs for these hormones, you can refer to a reliable anatomy and physiology textbook, website, or medical resources that explain the endocrine system and hormone functions in depth. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare professional or an endocrinologist can provide further clarity on this topic.