With reference to the human body, consider the following statements:

1. The production of somatotropin goes up when a person exercises.
2. Men’s testes produce progesterone.
3. Women’s adrenal glands secrete testosterone.
4. Stress causes the adrenals to release very less amount of cortisol than usual.

Which of these statements are correct?

A) 1, 2 and 3
B) 1, 3 and 4
C) 2, 3 and 4
D) 1, 2 and 4

The correct statements are 1, 2, and 3.

• Statement 1 is correct: Somatotropin (Growth Hormone) production increases during physical exercise as the body requires it for muscle growth and fat metabolism.
• Statement 2 is correct: In the male reproductive system, progesterone is synthesized in the Leydig cells of the testes. It serves as an intermediate in testosterone biosynthesis and is also secreted into the blood.
• Statement 3 is correct: In females, the adrenal glands produce about 25% of the body's testosterone.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Under stress, the adrenal glands release increased amounts of cortisol (the body's primary stress hormone) via the HPA axis; levels do not go down.