National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What is the primary action of gonadotropins secreted by gonadotrophs?

1. Regulate blood pressure

2. Stimulate the gonads

3. Inhibit nerve activity

4. Induce sleep

The correct answer is: Stimulate the gonads

Gonadotropins, which are hormones secreted by gonadotrophs located in the anterior pituitary gland, primarily stimulate the gonads, which include the testes in males and the ovaries in females. The two key gonadotropins are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH is crucial for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in women and for spermatogenesis in men, while LH triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. This action is vital for regulating reproductive functions and maintaining sexual health. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the role of gonadotropins. Regulating blood pressure is primarily the domain of hormones such as adrenaline and angiotensin, inhibiting nerve activity doesn't align with the function of gonadotropins, and inducing sleep is typically associated with hormones like melatonin, not gonadotropins. Thus, the primary action of gonadotropins is indeed to stimulate the gonads, confirming that the correct choice is focused on their role in reproductive physiology.