12-5 Flashcards
Endpoint consists of 2 forms (one in males, another in females)
Sexual Dimorphism
Endpoint exists on a continuum and average is different b/n males and females
Sex differences
Endpoints is the same but neural underpinnings are different
Sex convergence
Male-biased conditions
ADHD
Autism
Dyslexia
Tourette
Female-based conditions
Anorexia
Autoimmune
Anxiety
Depression
Differential effects of ovarian and testicular hormones
Hormonal
Nueron, glia or other cell types carries either XY or XX but not both
Genetic
The sexually dimorphic nucleus (SDN) is bigger in which sex?
Males
What is the human homolog to SDN and bigger in males?
Interstitial Nuclei of the Anterior Hypothalamus
Elongated in females and spherical in males
Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN) of Hypothalamus
Where are the sexually dimorphic areas located in the brain?
Hypothalamus
Larger in males than females
Marker for sexual orientation
Smaller in homo than heterosexual men
Same size in women and homo men
INAH-3
BNST larger in males than females
Bed Nucleus Stria Terminalis
Marker for gender identity
Smaller size in trans (m to f) than males
Similar size in trans (m to f) as in females
INAH-3 & BNST
Mutation in the gene that produce androgen receptors producing female phenotype (body and brain) but have testes and no ovaries
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
When are the critical periods in sexual differentiation?
Week 12-20** and puberty
Higher homosexuality and bisexuality but high percent rated heterosexual
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) daughters
What happens with DES exposure during critical period of sexual differentiation of the brain?
Masculinization
What happens of over-exposure of estrogen during critical period (week 12-20)?
Leads to masculinization of the brain
