Final answer:
The assertion that LH is referred to as a gonadotropin is true. LH, alongside FSH, are hormones that regulate reproductive functions in both males and females, stimulating the gonads and influencing hormone production and gamete development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'LH is also referred to as a gonadotropin.' is true. LH stands for luteinizing hormone, and it is indeed classified as a gonadotropin. Gonadotropins are a type of hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland; they include LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones play a crucial role in the sexual development and reproductive function of both males and females.
In males, LH and FSH stimulate the testes to produce testosterone and to support spermatogenesis, the production of sperm. In females, these hormones are instrumental in regulating the menstrual cycle and in triggering ovulation, marked by the release of an egg from the ovary. LH and FSH stimulate the ovaries to produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for the reproductive cycle.
The hormones FSH and LH are involved in regulating both the female and male reproductive systems, contrary to the false claim that they are involved only in the female system. Additionally, an increase in gonad hormone levels inhibits GnRH production through a negative feedback loop, demonstrating the intricate hormonal interactions within the reproductive system.