MODULE 11: HORMONES AND SEX

Exocrine Glands

They release their chemicals into ducts, which carry them to their targets, mostly on the surface of the body

Endocrine Glands

• Also known as ductless glands

• They release their chemicals called hormones, directly into the circulatory system

Gonads

• primary reproductive organs of an individuals

• Male gonads - testes

• female gonads - ovaries 

• responsible for the development of the secondary sex characteristics of a male and a female as they secrete hormones that are responsible to it

Primary Sex Characteristics

present at birth such as the reproductive organs that will identify one’s sex

Secondary Sex Characteristics

• develop at time of puberty that is sometimes unique to a certain sex 

• not present at birth

Sex Steroids

hormones that influence sexual development and the activation of adult sexual behavior

Androgens

• responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics

• Common type: testosterone

Estrogens

• responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics

• Common type: estradiol

Progestins

• Females - responsible for preparing the uterus and breasts for pregnancy

• Male - still unclear

• Common type: progesterone

Pituitary Gland

• Also known as the master gland 

• Contains tropic hormones that influences other glands to release hormones

Gonadotropin

tropic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland

Medial Preoptic Area

• medial preoptic area of a male is relatively large compared to women

• destruction of this area abolishes sexual behavior in males

Ventromedial Nucleus (VMN)

destruction of this area abolishes sexual behavior in females

Amygdala

• plays a general role in the experience of emotions and social cognition 

• plays a vital role in identifying potential sexual partners as it controls the emotion that we feel towards a person

Ventral Striatum

Research on rats has shown that the activity in this area is associated with the anticipation and experience of sex and other forms of pleasure

Arousal Phase

• There is a subjective sense of sexual pleasure.

• Tumescence - penis of males erect 

• Vasocongestion - vagina of females begin to lubricate

Plateau Phase

• a brief period of time before the orgasm as the body prepare for orgasm

Orgasm Phase

• refers to the climax in layman 's terms

• an intense and pleasurable experience

• male ejaculates the seminal fluid while both male and female heart rate reach the maximum

Resolution

last phase where arousal decrease and muscles starts to relax, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate go back to normal

Sexual Orientation

Pattern of sexual attraction towards other people