Chapter 5 Flashcards
Other than the gonads, what other body parts secrete estrogen and androgens?
Other than the gonads, the adrenal gland and adipose tissue also release estrogen and androgens
What does the HPG axis stand for and what does it do?
HPG axis = hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonadal axis
It’s a communication system between the brain and the gonads that controls the production and release of sex hormones
What are the 2 phases of the proliferative phase?
- Follicular phase: maturation of eggs
2. Luteal phase: increased complexity of the endometrium, if no conception will begin to shed
What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle?
Proliferative phase, ovulatory phase, secretory phase, menstral phase
What causes testes to release testosterone?
Luteinizing hormone
What triggers the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty?
The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis
What secondary characteristics do we see triggered by HPG axis in a) males b) females ?
a) facial hair, increased muscle mass, growth of testes, lowering of voice
b) widening of hips/pelvis, growth of breasts, increased fat tissue in the arms, thighs and buttocks
What is the hypothalamus’ relation of sex?
Highly sensitive to androgens and estrogen. Influences how we think of sexual acts and our sexuality
How does sexual activity affect the levels of testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol hormones in the male and female body?
Testosterone: increases in men and women
Cortisol (stress hormone): decreases in women
Estradiol: increases in women
What is high testosterone levels in men and women linked to?
- greater frequency of sex
- shorter term relationships
- polyamorous relationships
- more masturbation in men (in women it’s related to estrogen)
What are the functions of Oxytocine in relation to sexual behavior?
- orgasm
- maternal bonding
- lactation
- childbirth
- increases affiliating behaviour
What are pheromones controlled by and where are they produced?
Pheromones are controlled by androgens and are produced in the apocrine glands
What is major histocompatibility complex?
The theory that vaginal pheromones may communicate genetic information to sexual partners
