PBL 1 Flashcards
what is sexual behaviour?
the process by which we demonstrate and express sexuality
is sexuality biological?
there is evidence to suggest a relationship between homosexuality and certain regions of the X chromosome but its not definite
what are primary sex characteristics?
characteristics related to the reproductive system e.g. penis
what are secondary sex characteristics?
those unrelated to the reproductive system e.g. breasts or facial hair
what is oxytocin?
a hormone released during sexual intercourse when an orgasm is achieved
what is the role of vasopressin?
to form male arousal
what increases and decreases female motivation for sexual behaviour?
increases= oestrogen decreases= progesterone
what are sex steroid examples?
progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone
what’s the role of sex steroids?
crucial for the proper development and function of the body; they regulate sexual differentiation, the secondary sex characteristics and the sexual behaviour patterns.
what are steroids derived from?
acetate-> cholesterol….-> steroids
where are steroids synthesised?
in the adrenal cortex, gonads and placenta (within the mitochondria and smooth ER)
what are effects of oestrogen?
maintain body temp, helping against memory loss, regulating cholesterol production, stimulating ovary maturation and starting menstruation, helps maintain a lubricated and thick vaginal lining, stimulates breast development, prepares breast glands for future milk production, helps prepare the uterus to nourish a developing foetus and helps to preserve bone density.
what are effects of progesterone?
reducing hot flushes and vaginal dryness, fights fatigue, improves mood and sleep, alleviates skin dryness, wrinkling and thinning, prevents loss of bone density and fights weight gain
what are androgens?
hormones which play a role in male traits and reproductive activity. E.g. testosterone
what is the function of androgens?
male sexual and reproductive function; the development of secondary characteristics and they affect bone + muscle development and metabolism.
describe follicle maturation?
primordial follicle -> primary follicle -> secondary follicle -> (preantral) -> tertiary follicle -> preovulatory folllicle (antral)
what is a primordial follicle?
an oocyte surrounded by a flat layer of granulosa cells, arrested in prophase of meiosis
what is a primary follicle?
an oocyte surrounded by layers of granulosa cells, surrounded by layers of theca cells
how long does it take for primordary follicle-> primary follicle?
70 days