Which hormone inhibits the production of FSH by the anterior pituitary?

Inhibin is the hormone responsible for inhibiting the production of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) by the anterior pituitary. In males, inhibin is secreted by Sertoli cells in the testes, and its primary role is to provide negative feedback to the pituitary gland. This feedback mechanism helps regulate the production of sperm by controlling the levels of FSH, which stimulates spermatogenesis.

In females, the secretion of inhibin occurs in the ovaries and helps regulate FSH levels during the menstrual cycle. By inhibiting FSH production, inhibin aids in the balance of follicle development and ensures that ovarian function is properly regulated.

While estrogen and progesterone do have roles in the feedback mechanisms regulating the menstrual cycle, their primary actions do not specifically target FSH in the same direct manner that inhibin does. Testosterone, on the other hand, primarily regulates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and has effects on other hormones, but it is not directly responsible for inhibiting FSH production. Thus, the action of inhibin is the key factor in the control of FSH levels in the body.