Gonads are a part of the endocrine system and are the main source of sex hormones throughout the body.  In a female, the sex organ is the ovary and in the male, the sex organ is the testes. 

Ovary

There are two ovaries present in the pelvic area of the body.  The main sex hormones secreted by the ovaries are estrogen and progesterone. 

• Estrogen - affects the development of sexual in women including breast growth, body fat around the hips and thighs, and the puberty growth spurt.  Also regulates menstruation cycles and pregnancy.
  
• Progesterone - helps regulate menstruation cycles and pregnancy.
  

Testes

    The testes are held in scrotum, skin-like sac, just under the penis.  The main sex hormone secreted by the males' testes is testosterone, which is an androgen.  Testosterone helps regulate various male sexual body changes including facial and pubic hair, penis enlargement, the puberty growth spurt, muscle growth, and deepening of voice.  Testosterone is also needed for the production of sperm by the testes.

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