What is the role of FSH in males?

1 Answer
Jun 15, 2017

The FSH is synthesised and secreted by the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland and regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation and reproductive processes of the body.

Explanation:

In males the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates primary spermatocytes to undergo the first division of meiosis to form secondary spermatocytes.

It also enhances the production of androgen binding protein by the Sertoli cells of the testes by binding to FSH receptors on their basolateral membranes, and is critical for the initiation of spermatogenesis .

FSH is required for the determination of Sertoli cell number and for induction and maintenance of normal sperm production.

FSH also stimulates Sertoli cells to produce inhibin, which provides negative feedback to the anterior pituitary to decrease FSH secretion.