Which hormones are essential for stimulating sperm production?

• A. Estrogen and progesterone
• B. FSH and LH
• C. Testosterone alone
• D. Prolactin and oxytocin

Answer: (B)

Spermatogenesis is driven by two anterior pituitary gonadotropins that coordinate the environment in the seminiferous tubules and testosterone production. FSH acts on Sertoli cells to support germ cell development, nourish developing sperm, and create factors like inhibin B that help regulate the process. LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, and this testosterone is essential for the progression of germ cells through meiosis and maturation. The combination of FSH signaling to Sertoli cells and testosterone signaling to target tissues is what enables robust sperm production; without one or the other, the process is impaired. Although testosterone is crucial, it works best in concert with FSH. Estrogen and progesterone do not directly drive spermatogenesis, and prolactin and oxytocin do not play essential roles in stimulating sperm production.