Neuroscience II: Sex, Gonads, Bodies, and Brains :Part 1

These flashcards cover key concepts related to sexual differentiation, the role of hormones, and the biology of sexes as discussed in the Neuroscience II lecture.

What are the primary sex characteristics determined by in humans?

Chromosomal sex.

What role do testosterone and estrogen play in fetal development?

Testosterone masculinizes, while estrogen influences the development of female characteristics.

What is the function of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in sexual differentiation?

AFP organizes the HPG axis and prevents the effects of estrogen in males.

What are some examples of intersex conditions?

Klinefelter's syndrome (XXY), Turner syndrome (XO), and androgen insensitivity syndrome.

What determines the brain dimorphism in response to sexual hormones?

The exposure to hormones during prenatal and postnatal development.

Which hypothalamic areas are involved in the regulation of sexual behaviors?

Sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) and anteroventral paraventricular nucleus (AVPV).

What does the presence of estrogen receptors in the preoptic area support?

The development of sexually dimorphic structures and behaviors.

How does chromosomal translocation of the SRY gene affect primary sex determination?

It can lead to the development of testes in individuals with XX chromosomes.

What are the two main types of hormones mentioned that influence sexual differentiation?

Peptide hormones and steroid hormones.

How do high levels of estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus affect sexual behavior?

They contribute to the organizational effects of hormones in the brain.