Final answer:
Endocrine hormones, specifically testosterone in males and estrogen in females, are responsible for the development of sex organs pre-birth, maturation at puberty, and reproductive functions post-maturity. During puberty, the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the gonads work together to stimulate the growth of reproductive organs and the appearance of secondary sex characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sex Hormones and Puberty
Endocrine hormones are indeed responsible for controlling the development of sex organs before birth, sexual maturation at puberty, and reproduction once sexual maturity is achieved. In humans, the gonads, which are the ovaries in females and testes in males, secrete crucial sex hormones such as testosterone in males and estrogen in females. These hormones play significant roles in the process of sexual development and maturation.
During puberty, a cascade of hormones from the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the gonads stimulate the development and maturation of reproductive organs and the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. The hypothalamus initiates this process by releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which then prompts the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In males, LH stimulates the production of androgens, including testosterone, and FSH is involved in the maturation of sperm cells. In females, FSH and LH regulate the development of egg cells, ovulation, and the production of sex hormones, namely estradiol and progesterone.
These hormones are crucial for the development of male and female secondary sex characteristics. In males, secondary characteristics include muscular development, facial hair, and the maturation of sex organs. In females, estrogens increase the size of the uterus and deposit fat in the breasts, while progestins prepare the uterus for nurturing a fertilized egg, if present.