Exam 3: Sex Part Two

Question 1

What are the names of the Gonads for males and females respectively?

Answer 1

Testes for males

Ovaries for females

Question 2

What steroid hormones are produced by the gonads?

Answer 2

1. Progestins (Progesterone)
2. Estrogens (Estradiol)
3. Androgens (Testosterone)

Question 3

What are the steps of Signaling (for the gonads)?

Answer 3

1. Hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells produce
   gonadotropin releasing hormone
2. GnRH is secreted into the blood vessels
3. From the blood vessels they are carried to the anterior pituitary via the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system
4. The anterior pituitary releases gonadotropins
5. This drives the release of gonadal steroid hormones

Question 4

Before the presence of a Y chromosome, what is the structure called in a developing fetus?

Answer 4

Indifferent (Primordial) gonads

Question 5

When does the SRY synthesis occur?

Answer 5

At about 6 weeks

Question 6

What are the names of the precursor duct systems at 6 weeks?

Answer 6

The Wolffian System and the Mullerian System.
The Wolffian System has the potential to develop into the male gonad system including the seminal duct. On the other hand the Mullerian System has the potential into the fallopian tubes and the uterus.

Question 7

Testosterone and Mullerian-inhibiting hormone are secreted by what structure?

Answer 7

The Testes

Question 8

What is Puberty?

Answer 8

A period where fertility is achieved. It is characterized by a growth spurt and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Question 9

What are the areas of the brain involved in sexual dimorphism?

Answer 9

• Medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus

- Ventromedial Nucleus

Question 10

What masculinizes the brain?

Answer 10

Estradiol