Section 39.3 (Exam 4) Hormones Flashcards
Hormones Play Important Roles in Development
Hormones control the development of vertebrates. What is one example of this?
anterior pituitary growth hormone affects growth
What are the gonads?
testes and ovaries
What do the gonads produce?
Gametes (sperm and ova) and steroid hormones
What is the function of steroid hormones produced by the gonads in vertebrates?
They determine whether a fetus develops into a phenotypic female or male
What are the male steroid hormones?
Androgens - their dominant form is testosterone
What are the female steroid hormones?
Progesterone and estrogen (Estradiol is the dominant form of estrogen)
What is estradiol synthesized from?
Testosterone
Both males and females synthesize testosterone. Why do females have estrogen and progesterone as their steroid hormone instead of testosterone?
They have an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone to estradiol
Which hormones get produced more during puberty?
sex hormones
What anterior pituitary hormone controls gonad activity?
Gonad activity is controlled by gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the anterior pituitary
What controls the gonadotropins?
Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) - the amount released increases at puberty
What can increase in gonadotropin levels lead to?
Increased levels of sex steroids and development of secondary sex characteristics
What are the female secondary sex characteristics?
Enlarged breasts
Broadening of hips
Increased subcutaneous fat
Pubic hair
Onset of menstrual and ovarian cycles
What are the male secondary sex characteristics?
Pubic hair
Facial hair
Deepened voice
