Neuroendocrine System and Reproduction Vocabulary

Flashcards on Neuroendocrine System and Reproduction

Neuroendocrine System

The system involving the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system, affecting sexual development, sexual behavior, and parental behavior.

Endocrine System Glands:

Pineal, Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenal, Pancreas, Ovary, Testis, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Thymus.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that controls hormone release into the blood via the pituitary gland.

Anterior Pituitary

Controls the endocrine system through neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus.

Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus to stimulate the anterior pituitary to release gonadotropins.

Gonadotropic Hormones

Hormones released by the anterior pituitary that stimulate the gonads (testes or ovaries).

Testosterone

A hormone produced by the testes that is crucial for the development of the Wolffian system.

Estradiol

A type of estrogen produced by the ovaries that aids in sexual maturation.

Wolffian System

The internal duct system that develops into male reproductive organs.

Müllerian System

The internal duct system that develops into female reproductive organs.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone

Hormone that causes the Müllerian system to degenerate in males

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Hormone responsible for the differentiation of external genitalia.

Medial Preoptic Area (MPA)

Area of the hypothalamus involved in sexual behavior; larger in males than females.

Sexually Dimorphic Nuclei (SDN)

Specific regions within the MPA that differ in size between males and females.

Aromatization

The conversion of testosterone to estradiol.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

A condition where XY individuals are not sensitive to testosterone, leading to the development of female external genitalia.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

A hormonal disorder from prenatal androgens that causes a higher incidence of homosexuality

Turner's Syndrome

A genetic disorder resulting from an XO chromosome, leading to the development of normal female internal and external sex organs without ovaries or testes.

Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome

The failure to produce anti-Müllerian hormone or the absence of receptors for this hormone with the development of both male and female sex organs.

Oxytocin

Hormone released by the pituitary gland, responsible for the refractory period and increases memory for faces.

Pheromones

Chemicals released by one animal that affect the behavior of another.

Prolactin

A hormone involved with the control of maternal behavior, stimulates nest building.

V1a Vasopressin Receptors

Monogamous voles have a higher level of these receptors in the ventral forebrain than do polygamous voles