The endocrine system works closely with the nervous system and helps regulate the body’s growth and development, mood, tissue function, metabolism and reproductive processes. It’s made up of glands, groupings of cells that secrete hormones. Important organs and glands of the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, pineal gland, thymus gland, and the pancreas.

Question

The development of the reproductive system depends on the endocrine system. When people reach puberty, the pituitary gland releases hormones. These hormones tell the body’s reproductive organs to start producing hormones that transform boys and girls into men and women.

Reproduction is the process by which organisms make more organisms, and the reproductive system is what makes it possible. In the human reproductive process, both a sperm cell and an egg cell, also called gametes, are necessary to create a new organism.

Which of the following best describes one way the endocrine system effects the reproductive system?

A
The endocrine system directly produces sperm cells in men and egg cells in women, both which are needed for puberty.

B
The reproductive system produces hormones that are required in order for the endocrine system to work properly.

C
The endocrine system produces hormones that make puberty possible.

D
The endocrine system regulates mood and metabolism, both which are necessary for reproduction.

Answer 1

The best option that describes one way the endocrine system affects the reproductive system is:

C The endocrine system produces hormones that make puberty possible.

This option accurately reflects how the endocrine system, particularly through the action of the pituitary gland, releases hormones that signal the reproductive organs to function during puberty.