Biopsychology- Exam 3

What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

To create, release, and regulate hormones.

Which glands are located in the forehead area of the endocrine system?

Pineal, hypothalamus, and pituitary glands.

What do the thyroid and parathyroid glands regulate?

Basic metabolic activity.

What roles do the Thymus, Adrenal, and Pancreas play?

Thymus: immune functioning; Adrenal: stress response; Pancreas: digestion.

What are the gonads in males and females?

Testes in males and ovaries in females.

What are sex hormones considered to be?

The body's natural steroids.

Name the three types of sex hormones.

Androgens (e.g., testosterone), estrogens (e.g., estradiol), and progestins (e.g., progesterone).

What is the primary role of androgens in males?

To activate sexual behavior.

What happens to sexual motivation after an orchidectomy?

There is often a complete and rapid loss of sexual motivation.

Do testosterone injections affect healthy males' sexuality?

No, they do not seem to impact healthy males' sexuality or performance.

What role do estrogens play in female reproductive capabilities?

They control the menstrual cycle and sexual receptivity.

What happens to female sexual motivation after an ovariectomy?

It has no effect on sexual motivation.

What is the role of progesterone in females?

To prepare the uterus for pregnancy and the breasts for nursing.

What are gametes?

Half cells that unite during conception; sperm from testes and eggs from ovaries.

What is formed when a sperm fertilizes an ovum?

A zygote, which is the first cell of pregnancy.

What do the sex chromosomes determine?

They direct sexual development.

What is the chromosomal composition of female cells?

Two large X chromosomes (XX).

What is the chromosomal composition of male cells?

One X chromosome and one small Y chromosome (XY).

What is the Men Are Men And Women Are Women Assumption (MAMAWAWA)?

The assumption that all humans can be categorized strictly as male or female based on chromosomal makeup.

What is Klinefelter syndrome?

A condition characterized by an extra X chromosome (47-XXY) that affects male development.

What are some common symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome?

Lower IQ, taller stature, reduced male secondary sex characteristics, increased female secondary sex characteristics, smaller testes, and infertility.

How can Klinefelter syndrome be diagnosed?

Often diagnosed through fertility tests when individuals attempt to start a family.

What is the significance of variations in the 23rd chromosomal grouping?

They correspond to variations in sexual function and potential.

What is the impact of undiagnosed chromosomal variations?

They may lead to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of conditions affecting sexual development.

How does the presence of extra or missing genetic material affect sexual development?

It can lead to non-binary variations in biological sex that challenge traditional male-female binary perspectives.

What is XYY syndrome also known as?

Jacob's syndrome or Metamale syndrome

What chromosomal configuration is associated with XYY syndrome?

47-XYY, indicating an extra Y chromosome

What are common characteristics of individuals with XYY syndrome?

Above average height, increased risk of learning disabilities, and proneness to acne

What historical belief was associated with XYY syndrome?

That it caused criminal behavior, sociopathy, and psychopathy

What is Turner syndrome also known as?

Monosomy X or XO syndrome

What is a key characteristic of individuals with Turner syndrome?

They have a single X chromosome without a paired Y or another X

What physical features are common in individuals with Turner syndrome?

Short stature, wider neck, minimal breast development, and underdeveloped gonads

What is the reproductive outcome for most individuals with Turner syndrome?

Most are infertile, and pregnancies often pose serious risks

What is Trisomy X also known as?

Metafemale syndrome or triple X syndrome

What is the chromosomal configuration for Trisomy X?

An extra X chromosome in the 23rd pair

What are potential risks for individuals with Trisomy X?

Increased risk for learning disabilities, delayed speech, and emotional difficulties

What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?

It releases hormones that stimulate other glands to release their hormones

What are gonadotropins?

Hormones released by the anterior pituitary that impact gonadal development

What are the two main gonadotropins mentioned?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

How does gonadotropin release differ between males and females?

In females, it cycles approximately every 28 days; in males, it varies little day to day

What regulates the release of gonadotropins?

The hypothalamus sends bursts of gonadotropin-releasing hormone to the anterior pituitary

What is the feedback mechanism in hormonal communication?

Positive or negative feedback influences the subsequent release of hormones

What hormones do gonadotropins stimulate the gonads to release?

Estrogens, androgens, and progestins

What influences behavior and psychological functioning in relation to hormones?

Gonadal hormones acting on the brain

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

It acts as the master regulator of the pituitary gland

What is the significance of the anterior pituitary being called the 'master gland'?

It releases hormones that control other endocrine glands

What is the relationship between biological sex and chromosomal variations?

Biology does not strictly adhere to the male-female binary; variations create unique profiles

What are the implications of hormonal fluctuations in development?

They lead to orderly developmental changes and reorganization of features and functions

How do neural signals from the brain affect hormonal release?

They cause the hypothalamus to release gonadotropin-releasing hormones

What is the role of feedback loops in the endocrine system?

They connect body tissues to the brain and regulate hormone release based on physiological needs

What period is characterized by heightened hormonal fluctuation in teenagers?

Adolescence

What are the two primary gonads responsible for producing sperm and eggs?

Testes and ovaries

What is the default developmental pathway for the primordial gonad?

Femaleness; it develops into an ovary unless shut down.

What gene triggers the development of testes in males?

The Sry gene on the Y chromosome

What happens to the primordial gonads in the absence of the Sry gene?

They develop into ovaries.

What are the two sets of undeveloped internal reproductive ducts present in fetuses?

Wolffian system (male) and Müllerian system (female)

What does the presence of androgens during the third month post-conception cause in males?

Transformation of the Wolffian system into male reproductive structures.

What substance do testes release that causes female ducts to degenerate?

Müllerian-inhibiting substance

What do the Wolffian and Müllerian systems develop into in genetic females?

Wolffian system fails to develop; Müllerian system becomes uterus, upper vagina, and Fallopian tubes.

What is the result of exposure to androgens for all fetuses?

Development of male reproductive ducts.

What is the biological term for individuals with both male and female internal and external genitalia?

Intersex

What is the initial external reproductive organ common to both sexes?

Identical structure resembling a house fly.

What does the glans develop into in males?

The head of the penis.

What does the labioscrotal swelling become in males?

The scrotum.

What does the urethral fold develop into in females?

The labia minora.

What happens to the labioscrotal swelling in females?

It becomes the labia majora.

What hormonal activity influences the differentiation of external genitalia?

Androgen activity or lack thereof.

What is the significance of the 23rd chromosomal grouping in biological sex?

It determines genetic sex but does not solely dictate genital development.

What can occur if a genetic female is injected with Sry protein?

She may develop testes.

What can happen to genetic males if exposed to a drug that blocks Sry protein?

They may develop ovaries.

What is the role of hormones in the development of internal genitalia?

They are responsible for the development of specific internal genitalia.

What is the outcome for XY individuals regarding internal genitalia?

They most commonly have male internal genitalia.

What is the outcome for XX individuals regarding internal genitalia?

They most commonly have female internal genitalia.

What variation can occur in individuals with atypical chromosomal patterns?

They can have internal genitalia that does not match their chromosomal sex.

What is the role of the cortex in the primordial gonad?

It has the potential to develop into an ovary.

What is the role of the medulla in the primordial gonad?

It has the potential to develop into a testis.

What is intersexuality?

A condition where an individual has biological characteristics of both male and female sexes.

What are sequential hermaphrodites?

Organisms that can switch sex in response to environmental changes, such as clownfish.

How do clownfish exhibit sequential hermaphroditism?

When the female dies, the largest male transitions to female, and the next largest becomes the new male.

What is simultaneous hermaphroditism?

A condition where organisms possess both male and female reproductive organs at the same time.

Which animals are known to be simultaneous hermaphrodites?

Many species of snails, slugs, and worms, such as earthworms.

What role do seahorse males play in reproduction?

Biologically male seahorses are responsible for brooding and delivering the young.

What triggers the maturation of reproductive organs during puberty?

An increase in gonadotropic hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone.

What are primary sex characteristics?

Features that are directly involved in reproduction, such as the ability to produce viable eggs or sperm.

What are secondary sex characteristics?

Physical features other than reproductive organs that distinguish males from females, such as body hair and breast development.

What hormonal changes occur during puberty?

An increase in sex hormones leads to the maturation of genitals and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

What is androgen insensitivity syndrome?

A condition where individuals with XY chromosomes develop female characteristics due to lack of androgen receptor response.

What are the physical characteristics of individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome?

They appear female, lack menstruation, and have internal testes with undeveloped male reproductive ducts.

What is androgenital syndrome?

A condition in XX females caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia, leading to excessive release of adrenal androgens.

What are the effects of androgenital syndrome at birth?

Females may be born with an enlarged clitoris and partially fused labia, but internal reproductive organs are usually normal.

How can androgenital syndrome be treated?

Cortisol treatment can reduce the effects of the syndrome.

What behavioral tendencies may develop in females with untreated androgenital syndrome?

They may display tomboyish behavior and have less interest in maternity.

What is the impact of hormonal imbalances on sexual anatomy?

Hormonal imbalances can lead to variations in sexual characteristics and may create ambiguity at puberty.

What evidence challenges the binary understanding of sex (MAMAWAWA)?

Variability in sexual anatomy and physiology in both humans and animals, influenced by hormonal changes.

What happens to the brain in response to hormonal changes?

The brain can masculinize or feminize based on hormonal levels, gonad removal, or transplantation.

What is the significance of case studies in understanding biological sex?

They provide anecdotal evidence that biological sex is more complex than the binary classification.

What are the implications of hormonal changes on sexual identity?

Hormonal changes can lead to shifts in sexual identity and characteristics, challenging traditional gender norms.

What is the role of growth hormones during puberty?

Growth hormones contribute to growth spurts that are common during adolescence.

What are some typical secondary sex characteristics in males?

Facial and body hair, voice change, and muscular development.

What are some typical secondary sex characteristics in females?

Breast development, menstruation, and body contour changes.