Which hormone is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics?
A. Estrogen
B. Luteinizing
C. Progesterone
D. All of these
Correct Answer: A. Estrogen
Explanation :–
The hormone responsible for secondary sexual characteristics is:
Testosterone – in males
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and is responsible for:
• Deepening of voice
• Development of facial and body hair
• Increase in muscle mass and bone density
• Growth of male reproductive organs
Estrogen – in females
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone and is responsible for:
• Development of breasts
• Broadening of hips
• Growth of body fat in hips and thighs
• Menstrual cycle regulation
Summary
Gender Main Hormone Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Male Testosterone Voice deepening, hair growth, muscle mass
Female Estrogen Breast development, hip widening
Final Answer:
Testosterone (in males) and Estrogen (in females) are responsible for secondary sexual characteristics.
Other Options Details:
Here’s a detailed description of each option you’ve listed:
A. Estrogen
• Type: Steroid hormone
• Source: Mainly produced by the ovaries (specifically the developing follicles) and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and placenta during pregnancy.
Functions:
• Development of secondary sexual characteristics in females (breast development, widening of hips, pubic and axillary hair growth).
• Regulation of the menstrual cycle and preparation of the endometrium for potential implantation.
• Maintains bone density and has cardiovascular protective effects.
• Key role in reproduction: Stimulates follicle growth and maturation; induces proliferative phase of the endometrium.
B. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Type: Glycoprotein hormone
• Source: Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland
• Functions:
• Triggers ovulation (release of a mature egg from the ovary).
• Stimulates formation of the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone.
• In males, it stimulates testosterone production by Leydig cells.
Key role in reproduction: Essential for ovulation and maintenance of early pregnancy through progesterone support.
C. Progesterone
• Type: Steroid hormone
• Source: Mainly secreted by the corpus luteum after ovulation, and later by the placenta during pregnancy.
Functions:
• Prepares the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Maintains early pregnancy.
• Inhibits further ovulation during pregnancy.
• Helps in breast development for lactation.
• Key role in reproduction: Supports pregnancy and regulates the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
D. All of these
• This option implies that all the hormones listed (Estrogen, LH, Progesterone) are involved in reproductive processes and, to varying degrees, in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Secondary sexual characteristics: Mainly driven by estrogen, while LH and progesterone are more directly involved in ovulation, corpus luteum function, and pregnancy maintenance rather than the development of physical traits.
Summary:
• Estrogen: Directly responsible for secondary sexual characteristics.
• LH: Primarily triggers ovulation, not secondary sexual traits.
• Progesterone: Maintains the endometrium and supports pregnancy.
• All of these: Broadly related to reproduction, but only estrogen directly affects secondary sexual characteristics.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)