TOPIC 3: Sex and Sex Differences

Question 1

What are the two types of neurochemical messengers?

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters and Hormones

Question 2

Explain the characteristics of a neurotransmitter (3)

Answer 2

Neurotransmitters: Are released from one neuron to the next at the synaptic level. Effects can be activation (EPSPs) or inhibition (IPSPs). Effects are local to a particular synapse and depend on the transmitter-receptor combination.

Question 3

Explain the characteristics of a hormone (3)

Answer 3

Hormone: Released through the bloodstream. Has broad effects and takes global action. Effects depend on the hormone-receptor or hormone-tissue combinations.

Question 4

Name four neurotransmitters that are ALSO hormones.

Answer 4

Testosterone, Cortisol, Adrenaline, Noradrenaline

Question 5

Name three neurotransmitters that are NOT hormones.

Answer 5

Dopamine, Serotonin, and Acetylcholine.

Question 6

TRUE or FALSE: The molecular structure of chemical messengers determines if they are neurotransmitters or hormones. They can also work even if they don’t bind to receptors.

Answer 6

FALSE: The use of the chemical messenger is what differentiates them. Both neurotransmitters and hormones must bind to receptors to work.

Question 7

What are the two combinations of sex chromosomes in men and women?

Answer 7

Women: XX, Men: XY