Reproductive Development and Puberty

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on reproductive development and puberty.

Phenotype

The outer appearance and characteristics of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. This includes all observable traits, such as morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, and behavior.

Progesterone

A major steroid hormone crucial in the female reproductive cycle, playing a key role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining it. It is secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovary and later by the placenta during pregnancy.

Corticosteroids

Hormones produced by the adrenal gland that significantly influence the nervous system. These hormones affect various physiological functions, including metabolism, immune response, and stress response.

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates blood pressure by signaling the kidneys to retain salt (sodium). This increases water retention, leading to higher blood volume and, consequently, higher blood pressure.

Cortisol

A hormone produced by the adrenal gland with implications for stress response, glucose levels, and immune function. It helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Androgens

Hormones, such as testosterone, that promote sexual differentiation and induce/maintain secondary sexual characteristics. They are responsible for the development of male physical traits and play a role in reproductive function.

Estrogens

Hormones, including estradiol, that stimulate the secondary sexual characteristics of females. They are essential for the development of female physical traits and play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

A condition where XY individuals appear phenotypically female due to an inability to respond to androgens. Despite having a Y chromosome and producing androgens, their cells do not respond to these hormones, leading to female physical characteristics.

SRY

Sex-determining region of the Y chromosome. It is the gene that triggers male development, leading to the formation of testes.

Five Alpha Reductase Deficiency

Enzyme deficiency that prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This deficiency affects the development of male external genitalia in utero.

Dihydrotestosterone

A more potent version of testosterone that is crucial for initiating the development of male genitalia during fetal development. It plays a significant role in the formation of the penis and scrotum.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Hormonal pathway interruption leading to females with XX genotype displaying masculinized genitals. Excessive androgen production during fetal development causes the development of ambiguous or male-typical genitalia in females.

HPG Axis

Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, a major physiological event that happens when a female or a male reaches puberty. This activation involves the hypothalamus releasing GnRH, stimulating the pituitary to release LH and FSH, which then act on the gonads.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone

Hormone produced by the hypothalamus that triggers signals to the pituitary gland. GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Hormones released by the anterior pituitary that signal to the testes or ovaries. LH stimulates the testes to produce testosterone in males and triggers ovulation in females, while FSH promotes sperm production in males and follicle development in females.

Tanner Stages

A scale of physical development in children, adolescents and adults. The stages define the sequence of changes that occur in puberty .

Menarche

The scientific term referring to the first menstrual cycle, indicating the start of sexual maturity in females.

Thielarch

Term referring to the development of breast tissue, which is often the first visible sign of puberty in females.

Leptin

A hormone produced by fat stores that signals back to the brain about the body's condition, particularly the level of fat stores. It helps regulate appetite and energy balance.

Amenorrhea

The absence of a menstrual cycle in a female of reproductive age.