sex (e3) Flashcards
homeostasis
refers to temperature regulation and other biological processes that keep body variables within a fixed range
allostasis
adaptive way in which the body anticipates needs depending on the situation, avoiding errors rather than just correcting them
homeostasis and allostasis depends on…
hypothalamus
male and female mammals start with…
the same anatomy during an early prenatal stage
what is the gene on the male that causes gender differences
the SRY gene; it causes the primitive gonads to develop that produce androgens (i.e., testosterone)
males produce more … than …
androgens, estrogens (females are the opposite)
organizing effects are
permanent
when do organizing effects develop?
during the first trimester of pregnancy; sex hormones determine what genitals the body develops
sex hormones produce additional organizing effects at…
puberty
activating effects are
temporary
when do activating effect happen?
while the hormone is present or shortly beyond (i.e., sex drive, pregnancy)
add early testosterone and the individual becomes a…
male; without testosterone, it develops as female
a female rat that is injected with testosterone during the prenatal critical period will be…
partly masculinized
- larger clitoris
- behavior is masculinized
if the male rat lacks androgens during critical periods, they will develop…
a female anatomy and behavior
causes of organizing effects of sex hormones
genetic deficiency of androgen receptors, prenatal exposure to drugs that interfere with androgens (alcohol, marijuana, haloperidol, phthalates, cocaine)
predisposition for boys and girls to prefer different types of toys?
prenatal hormones (especially testosterone) alter the brain ways that influence differences between boys and girls in their activities and interests
male monkeys prefer…
playing with balls and toys more than female monkeys
prenatal injections of testosterone to female monkey fetuses led to…
increased masculine-type play after they were born
two studies correlated chemicals in ______ with their children’s choice of toys years later
mother’s blood during pregnancy
phthalate levels in pregnant women…
inhibit testosterone production
where is phthalate found?
perfumes, hairspray, food packaging…
sexual orientation may depend on…
testosterone levels during a sensitive period of brain development
the probability of a homosexual orientation is slightly higher among men who have older brothers; why?
the mother’s immune system may react against a protein in a son and then attacks subsequent sons
stress releases _____ which do what?
stress releases endorphins, which antagonize the effects of testosterone on the hypothalamus
