Puberty Flashcards
Which week of embryology does the gonads differentiate?
Week 6
What two things determine gonadal differentiation?
1) presence of Y chromosome (& th. SRY gene)
2) presence of X chromosomes (must have two X chromosomes for ovarian development)
What processes determine normal male internal genitalia development?
Testosterone secretion (released by Leydig cells) - develop male internal genitalia
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (released by Sertoli cells)
- inhibit Mullerian duct formation
=>(th. inhibit female genitalia from developing)
What processes determine normal female internal genitalia development?
Absence of androgens => no male internal genitalia
Absence of Anti-Mullerian hormone => Mulelrian ducts form => Female internal genitalia form
What determines external genitalia development?
The presence or absence of androgens
- androgens present = male
- androgens absent = female
List three important points of pre-puberty in males?
Leydig cells secrete low levels of testosterone during childood, peak at 2 months, peak during puberty
Sertoli cells continue to secrete AMH during childhood - levels drop at puberty
Prospermatogonia - remain relatively quinscient
List three key developments during Puberty in males?
- Adrenarce (8 years onwards)
- Growth spurt (13-18 yrs)
- Secondary sexual characteristics stimulated by dihydrotestosterone
List three key developments during Puberty in females?
- Thelarce (8-13 years)
- Adrenarce + Ovarian Oestrogen Prod (8-14 years)
- Menarche (~47kg body mass)
What is thelarche?
onset of breast development controlled by ovarian oestrogens
What is adrenarche?
Release of androgens from adrenal cortex leading to acne, skin changes, axillary and pubic hair growth
What is menarche?
First occurrence of menstruation triggered by H-P-G axis maturation
