3.1.7 Human Sex Hormones

Question 1

At what point during development are sexual characteristics present

Answer 1

during development in the uterus

Question 2

Secondary sexual characteristics are the changes that occur during, what?

Answer 2

puberty as children become adolescents

Question 3

They are controlled by the release of hormones, what are the 2 hormones called?

Answer 3

Estrogen in females

Testosterone in males

Question 4

In females what are the effects of Estrogen?

Answer 4

Breast Development
Body Hair Grows
Menstrual Cycle Begins
Hips get wider

Question 5

In males what are the effects of testosterone

Answer 5

Growth of Penis and Testis 
Growth of Facial and Body Hair
Muscle Development
Voice Breaks
Testes start to produce sperm

Question 6

Name 2 changes that occur to both males and females

Answer 6

the growth of sexual organs and growth of body hair

Question 7

What also occurs due to the increased levels of hormones in the body

Answer 7

Emotional changes, these include more interest in sex and increased mood swings

Question 8

in females, when does their menstrual cycle typically begin?

Answer 8

in early adolescence in females (around age 12) and is controlled by hormones

Question 9

How long is the average Menstrual Cycle

Answer 9

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long

Question 10

When does Ovulation (the release of an egg) take place

Answer 10

Ovulation (the release of an egg) occurs about halfway through the cycle (day 14) and the egg then travels down the oviduct to the uterus

Question 11

In females, Failure to fertilize the egg causes, what?

Answer 11

menstruation (commonly called a period) to occur, this is caused by the breakdown of the thickened lining of the uterus

Question 12

How long does menstruation last for?

Answer 12

Menstruation lasts around 5 – 7 days and signals the beginning of the next cycle

Question 13

After menstruation finishes, the lining of the uterus does what?

Answer 13

the lining of the uterus starts to thicken again in preparation for possible implantation in the next cycle

Question 14

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones released from, where?

Answer 14

released from the ovary and the pituitary gland in the brain

Question 15

Estrogen levels rise from, how long within the menstrual cycle?

Answer 15

from day 1 to peak just before day 14

Question 16

The peak in estrogen occurs when?

Answer 16

just before the egg is released

Question 17

Progesterone stays low from day 1 – 14 and starts to rise once, what has occurred?

Answer 17

starts to rise once ovulation has occurred

Question 18

What does FSH stand for?

Answer 18

follicle-stimulating hormone

Question 19

Where is FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) released?

Answer 19

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is released by the pituitary gland

Question 20

What does FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) cause?

Answer 20

an egg to start maturing in the ovary. It also stimulates the ovaries to start releasing estrogen

Question 21

Once estrogen levels have reached their peak the pituitary gland is stimulated to release what?

Answer 21

luteinising hormone (LH)

Question 22

luteinising hormone (LH) causes what to occur?

Answer 22

LH causes ovulation to occur and also stimulates the ovary to produce progesterone

Question 23

The pituitary gland produces FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) which stimulates the development of a, what?

Answer 23

follicle (developing egg)

Question 24

the follicle produces what kind of hormone

Answer 24

Estrogen

Question 25

Describe all 4 interactions between the hormones during the menstrual cycle

Answer 25

1. The pituitary gland produces FSH which stimulates the development of a follicle in the ovary