Question

In women, the (ovaries / adrenal cortex) is responsible for the production of (androgens / estrogens), which are responsible for promoting sex drive?

1) Ovaries, androgens
2) Ovaries, estrogens
3) Adrenal cortex, androgens
4) Adrenal cortex, estrogens

Answer 1

The ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogens, which promote sex drive in women, making option 2) Ovaries, estrogens the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

In women, the ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogens, which among other functions, play a significant role in promoting sex drive. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2) Ovaries, estrogens. While both sexes produce both androgens and estrogens, the ovaries predominantly produce estrogens like estradiol and progesterone, which are crucial for sexual development and reproductive health in females. Androgens like testosterone are present in smaller amounts and contribute to sex drive, but they are not the primary sex hormones produced by the ovaries.

The adrenal cortex does produce both androgens and estrogens in small amounts, but its role in hormone production is supplementary compared to the gonads. The zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex produces androgens, which can be converted to estrogens in the body. The hormonal contribution of the adrenal cortex increases in significance after menopause when the ovaries reduce their production of sex hormones.