Week 7 Lecture Content (Sex & Gender I) Flashcards

1
Q

Be familiar with sex as a noun and sex as a verb.

A
  • Sex (noun) refers to anatomical classification, historically along binary lines of male or female.
  • Sex (verb) refers to copulation or reproduction-related behavior.
  • The anatomical classification of sex is now being questioned, and may not align strictly with male female binary definitions.
  • Historically, sex as a noun derives from the Latin word sexus, meaning the state of being male or female.
  • Anatomical sex involves gonads, tracts, and external genitalia, important in understanding biological sex as opposed to behaviour.

Lecture 19, Key Terminology and Historical Context of Sex Definition

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2
Q

Define sex as a noun

A

Sex (noun) refers to anatomical classification, historically along binary lines of male or female.

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3
Q

Define sex as a verb

A

Sex (verb) refers to copulation or reproduction-related behaviour.

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4
Q

Is sex (as a noun) subjective or objective? How do definitions of sex differ? Give examples if possible.

A
  • Objective: Traditionally, sex is categorised by anatomy and genetics (XX = female, XY = male).
  • Subjective: Increasing recognition of a sex spectrum suggests that binary categories are oversimplified.
  • Definitions vary:
  • Geneticists define sex based on the presence of Y chromosome.
  • Biologists use gamete size (e.g., smaller sperm = male, larger eggs = female).
  • Phenotypic sex is determined by external appearance and secondary characteristics.
  • Some modern definitions also account for intersex variations and non-binary presentations.

Lecture 19, Types of Sex Classification

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5
Q

How is sex (as a noun) subjective?

A

Increasing recognition of a sex spectrum suggests that binary categories are oversimplified.

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6
Q

How is sex (as a noun) objective?

A

Traditionally, sex is categorised by anatomy and genetics (XX = female, XY = male).

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7
Q

How do definitions of sex differ?

A

Definitions vary:
- Geneticists define sex based on the presence of Y chromosome.
- Biologists use gamete size (e.g., smaller sperm = male, larger eggs = female).
- Phenotypic sex is determined by external appearance and secondary characteristics.

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8
Q

Explain the differences between a stereotypic “male/female” genotype and a stereotypic “male/female” phenotype. Map out the developmental timeline of genotypic and phenotypic differences from fertilisation to 5 years of age. Pay particular attention to the role of chromosomes, the SRY gene (and protein), and specific sex hormones. Be sure to include information on gonad, tract and genital development.

A
  • Genotype: Based on chromosomal composition (XX for female, XY for male).
  • Phenotype: Refers to physical characteristics shaped by hormones and gene expression.

Timeline of Development:
- 0-6 weeks: Formation of primordial, bipotential gonads.
- 7 weeks: SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers testes development in males; its absence leads to ovaries in females.
- 9 weeks: Production of testosterone and Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) in males drives development of male tracts and genitalia.
- By 3 months: Differentiation of gonads, tracts, and external genitalia completes.
- Up to 5 years: Development continues under the influence of sex hormones, shaping secondary sex characteristics.

Lecture 19, Developmental Mechanisms of Sex Differentiation and Key Stages of Sex Differentiation

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9
Q

Explain the differences between a stereotypic “male/female” genotype and a stereotypic “male/female” phenotype.

A

Genotype: Based on chromosomal composition (XX for female, XY for male).

Phenotype: Refers to physical characteristics shaped by hormones and gene expression.

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10
Q

Map out the developmental timeline of genotypic and phenotypic differences from fertilisation to 5 years of age. Pay particular attention to the role of chromosomes, the Sry gene (and protein), and specific sex hormones. Be sure to include information on gonad, tract and genital development.

A
  • 0-6 weeks: Formation of primordial, bipotential gonads.
  • 7 weeks: SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers testes development in males; its absence leads to ovaries in females.
  • 9 weeks: Production of testosterone and Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) in males drives development of male tracts and genitalia.
  • By 3 months: Differentiation of gonads, tracts, and external genitalia completes.
  • Up to 5 years: Development continues under the influence of sex hormones, shaping secondary sex characteristics.
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11
Q

Genotype is based on ___________ composition (__ for female, __ for male).

A

Genotype is based on chromosomal composition (XX for female, XY for male).

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12
Q

Phenotype refers to ______ __________ shaped by ________ and ____ expression.

A

Phenotype refers to physical characteristics shaped by hormones and gene expression.

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13
Q

Timeline of Development:

__________: Formation of primordial, bipotential gonads.

A

0-6 weeks

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14
Q

Timeline of Development:

__________: SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers testes development in males; its absence leads to ovaries in females.

A

7 weeks

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15
Q

Timeline of Development:

__________: Production of testosterone and Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) in males drives development of male tracts and genitalia.

A

9 weeks

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16
Q

Timeline of Development:

__________: Differentiation of gonads, tracts, and external genitalia completes.

A

By 3 months

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17
Q

Timeline of Development:

__________: Development continues under the influence of sex hormones, shaping secondary sex characteristics.

A

Up to 5 years

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18
Q

Timeline of Development:

0-6 weeks: Formation of primordial, bipotential ______.

A

gonads

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19
Q

Timeline of Development:

7 weeks: ____ gene on the ___ chromosome triggers ____ development in _____; its absence leads to _______ in _______.

A

7 weeks: SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers testes development in males; its absence leads to ovaries in females.

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20
Q

Timeline of Development:

9 weeks: Production of ________ and ______ ______ _______ in males drives development of male tracts and genitalia.

A

9 weeks: Production of testosterone and Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) in males drives development of male tracts and genitalia.

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21
Q

Timeline of Development:

By 3 months: Differentiation of _____, ____, and _______ _______ completes.

A

By 3 months: Differentiation of gonads, tracts, and external genitalia completes.

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22
Q

Timeline of Development:

Up to 5 years: Development continues under the influence of ___ ________, shaping ________ sex characteristics.

A

Up to 5 years: Development continues under the influence of sex hormones, shaping secondary sex characteristics.

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23
Q

If you had blood samples from four different people sitting in front of you, would you be able to tell the biological sex of those four people based on some sort of blood assay? Explain the shortcomings of this approach in terms of what it could/couldn’t tell us. (hint: blood tests give you access to someone’s DNA)

A
  • Blood tests can reveal genotypic sex (XX or XY chromosomes) but are limited.

Shortcomings:
- Some individuals with XY chromosomes (e.g., Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome) develop female phenotypes.
- Phenotypic sex doesn’t always match genotypic sex due to mutations, hormone sensitivity, or intersex conditions.
- Blood assays cannot determine external genitalia, reproductive tracts, or gender identity, making them unreliable for a full understanding of biological sex.

Lecture 20, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

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24
Q

If you had blood samples from four different people sitting in front of you, would you be able to tell the biological sex of those four people based on some sort of blood assay?

A

Blood tests can reveal genotypic sex (XX or XY chromosomes) but are limited.

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25
Q

Explain the shortcomings of of using blood tests to determine someone’s biological sex in terms of what it could/couldn’t tell us?

A
  • Some individuals with XY chromosomes (e.g., Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome) develop female phenotypes.
  • Phenotypic sex doesn’t always match genotypic sex due to mutations, hormone sensitivity, or intersex conditions.
  • Blood assays cannot determine external genitalia, reproductive tracts, or gender identity, making them unreliable for a full understanding of biological sex.
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26
Q

Define ‘intersex’ and describe the following cases of intersex development (aka Disorders of Sex Development) covered in lectures: XX Male Syndrome; Swyer Syndrome; Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome; Androgenital Syndrome. Include aetiology, features, and treatment options (if known; you may need to do a search).

A

Intersex: Individuals whose genotype or phenotype does not fit into traditional male or female categories.

XX Male Syndrome (De la Chapelle Syndrome):
- Caused by an SRY gene transferred to the X chromosome, resulting in male development despite an XX genotype.
- Typically results in male appearance but infertility.

Swyer Syndrome:
- An XY individual without a functional SRY gene develops female genitalia and Müllerian tract but lacks functional gonads.
- Requires hormone therapy for puberty.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS):
- XY individuals have a genetic mutation affecting androgen receptors, leading to female-typical development despite XY genotype.

Androgenital Syndrome:
- Caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia, leading to overproduction of testosterone.
- Can result in virilisation in XX individuals, causing ambiguous genitalia or masculinisation.

Lecture 19, Modern Terminology and Disorders Related to SRY Gene

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27
Q

Define ‘intersex’

A

Intersex: Individuals whose genotype or phenotype does not fit into traditional male or female categories.

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28
Q

Describe the following case of intersex development (aka Disorders of Sex Development) covered in lectures:

XX Male Syndrome

Include aetiology, features, and treatment options (if known; you may need to do a search).

A

XX Male Syndrome (De la Chapelle Syndrome):
- Caused by an SRY gene transferred to the X chromosome, resulting in male development despite an XX genotype.
- Typically results in male appearance but infertility.

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29
Q

Describe the following case of intersex development (aka Disorders of Sex Development) covered in lectures:

Swyer Syndrome

Include aetiology, features, and treatment options (if known; you may need to do a search).

A

Swyer Syndrome:
- An XY individual without a functional SRY gene develops female genitalia and Müllerian tract but lacks functional gonads.
- Requires hormone therapy for puberty.

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30
Q

Describe the following case of intersex development (aka Disorders of Sex Development) covered in lectures:

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

Include aetiology, features, and treatment options (if known; you may need to do a search).

A

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS):
- XY individuals have a genetic mutation affecting androgen receptors, leading to female-typical development despite XY genotype.

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31
Q

Describe the following case of intersex development (aka Disorders of Sex Development) covered in lectures:

Androgenital Syndrome

Include aetiology, features, and treatment options (if known; you may need to do a search).

A

Androgenital Syndrome:
- Caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia, leading to overproduction of testosterone.
- Can result in virilisation in XX individuals, causing ambiguous genitalia or masculinisation.

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32
Q

Intersex: Individuals whose __________ or ________ does not fit into traditional _____ or ____ categories.

A

Intersex: Individuals whose genotype or phenotype does not fit into traditional male or female categories.

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33
Q

__ ____ Syndrome (__ __ ________ Syndrome):
- Caused by an SRY gene transferred to the X chromosome, resulting in male development despite an XX genotype.
- Typically results in male appearance but infertility.

A

XX Male Syndrome (De la Chapelle Syndrome)

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34
Q

XX Male Syndrome (De la Chapelle Syndrome):
- Caused by a ___ gene transferred to the __ chromosome, resulting in ____ development despite an ___ genotype.
- Typically results in ____ appearance but infertility.

A

XX Male Syndrome (De la Chapelle Syndrome):
- Caused by a SRY gene transferred to the X chromosome, resulting in male development despite an XX genotype.
- Typically results in male appearance but infertility.

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35
Q

_____ Syndrome:
- An XY individual without a functional SRY gene develops female genitalia and Müllerian tract but lacks functional gonads.
- Requires hormone therapy for puberty.

A

Swyer Syndrome

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36
Q

Swyer Syndrome:
- An __ individual without a functional ___ gene develops ______ genitalia and _________ _____ but lacks functional ____.
- Requires hormone therapy for puberty.

A

Swyer Syndrome:
- An XY individual without a functional SRY gene develops female genitalia and Müllerian tract but lacks functional gonads.
- Requires hormone therapy for puberty.

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37
Q

_______ _______ Syndrome (___):
- XY individuals have a genetic mutation affecting androgen receptors, leading to female-typical development despite XY genotype.

A

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)

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38
Q

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS):
- __ individuals have a genetic mutation affecting _______ receptors, leading to ______-typical development despite __ genotype.

A

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS):
- XY individuals have a genetic mutation affecting androgen receptors, leading to female-typical development despite XY genotype.

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39
Q

____________ Syndrome:
- Caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia, leading to overproduction of testosterone.
- Can result in virilisation in XX individuals, causing ambiguous genitalia or masculinisation.

A

Androgenital Syndrome

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40
Q

Androgenital Syndrome:
- Caused by ______ _____ _________, leading to overproduction of _________.
- Can result in virilisation in __ individuals, causing ambiguous genitalia or ____________.

A

Androgenital Syndrome:
- Caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia, leading to overproduction of testosterone.
- Can result in virilisation in XX individuals, causing ambiguous genitalia or masculinisation.

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41
Q

Be familiar with sex hormones covered in lectures, and the process of aromatisation.

A
  • Sex hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol, primarily categorized into three classes: androgens (e.g., testosterone), oestrogens (e.g., estradiol), and progestogens (e.g., progesterone).
  • Testosterone can be aromatized into estradiol via the enzyme aromatase.
  • Aromatisation is critical for brain development, particularly in regions that control sexual differentiation.
  • Both males and females produce androgens and oestrogens, though in varying amounts, challenging the notion of “male” and “female” hormones.
  • The balance of hormones and receptor sensitivity (androgen or oestrogen receptors) shapes the sexual characteristics in both genotypic males and females.

Lecture 20, Sex Hormones and Aromatisation

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42
Q

Be familiar with sex hormones covered in lectures

A

Sex hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol, primarily categorised into three classes:
- androgens (e.g., testosterone)
- oestrogens (e.g., estradiol)
- progestogens (e.g., progesterone).

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43
Q

Sex hormones are _____ hormones derived from _______, primarily categorised into three classes:
- androgens (e.g., testosterone)
- oestrogens (e.g., estradiol)
- progestogens (e.g., progesterone).

A

Sex hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol, primarily categorised into three classes:
- androgens (e.g., testosterone)
- oestrogens (e.g., estradiol)
- progestogens (e.g., progesterone).

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44
Q

Sex hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol, primarily categorised into three classes:
1.
2.
3.

A

Sex hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol, primarily categorised into three classes:
1. androgens (e.g., testosterone)
2. oestrogens (e.g., estradiol)
3. progestogens (e.g., progesterone).

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45
Q

Sex hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol, primarily categorised into three classes:
- androgens (e.g., __________)
- oestrogens (e.g., __________)
- progestogens (e.g., __________).

A

Sex hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol, primarily categorised into three classes:
- androgens (e.g., testosterone)
- oestrogens (e.g., estradiol)
- progestogens (e.g., progesterone).

46
Q

What is the process of aromatisation?

A
  • Testosterone can be aromatised into estradiol via the enzyme aromatase.
  • Aromatisation is critical for brain development, particularly in regions that control sexual differentiation.
47
Q

Testosterone can be ________ into estradiol via the enzyme _________.

A

Testosterone can be aromatised into estradiol via the enzyme aromatase

48
Q

________ can be aromatised into _______ via the enzyme aromatase

A

Testosterone can be aromatised into estradiol via the enzyme aromatase

49
Q

Both males and females produce ________ and ________, though in varying amounts, challenging the notion of “male” and “female” hormones.

A

Both males and females produce androgens and oestrogens, though in varying amounts, challenging the notion of “male” and “female” hormones.

50
Q

The balance of hormones and receptor sensitivity (_______ or _______ receptors) shapes the sexual characteristics in both genotypic males and females.

A

The balance of hormones and receptor sensitivity (androgen or oestrogen receptors) shapes the sexual characteristics in both genotypic males and females.

51
Q

Detail the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis and explain its role in Developmental Mechanisms and its role in Activational Mechanisms. Be specific with brain regions, hormones, and downstream effects. How/where do kisspeptin and oxytocin fit into the HPG axis?

A

The HPG axis consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.
- GnRH is released from the hypothalamus, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.
- LH and FSH travel to the gonads, promoting gamete production (sperm or eggs) and the release of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogens).

Developmental Mechanisms:
- HPG axis regulates sexual differentiation, initiating the development of gonads and reproductive systems during fetal development.
- In utero, hormone surges from the gonads guide the development of external genitalia and internal tracts.

Activational Mechanisms:
- Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the HPG axis, leading to the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Kisspeptin neurons play a role in triggering GnRH secretion at the onset of puberty.
- Oxytocin is involved in reproductive behavior and bonding, acting within the HPG axis during adulthood.

Lecture 21, HPG Axis and Puberty

52
Q

Explain the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis role in Developmental Mechanisms

A

Developmental Mechanisms:
- HPG axis regulates sexual differentiation, initiating the development of gonads and reproductive systems during fetal development.
- In utero, hormone surges from the gonads guide the development of external genitalia and internal tracts.

53
Q

Detail the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis

A

The HPG axis consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.
- GnRH is released from the hypothalamus, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.
- LH and FSH travel to the gonads, promoting gamete production (sperm or eggs) and the release of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogens).

54
Q

Explain the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis role in Activational Mechanisms

A

Activational Mechanisms:
- Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the HPG axis, leading to the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Kisspeptin neurons play a role in triggering GnRH secretion at the onset of puberty.
- Oxytocin is involved in reproductive behavior and bonding, acting within the HPG axis during adulthood.

55
Q

The ___ axis consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.

A

The HPG axis consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.

56
Q

The HPG axis consists of the __________, _______ gland, and ______.

A

The HPG axis consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads.

57
Q

HPG axis:

_____ is released from the hypothalamus, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.

A

GnRH is released from the hypothalamus, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.

58
Q

HPG axis:

GnRH is released from the _________, stimulating the ________ pituitary to release LH and FSH.

A

GnRH is released from the hypothalamus, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.

59
Q

HPG axis:

GnRH is released from the hypothalamus, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release ___ and ___.

A

GnRH is released from the hypothalamus, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.

60
Q

HPG axis:

LH and FSH travel to the gonads, promoting ______ production (____ or ____) and the release of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogens).

A

LH and FSH travel to the gonads, promoting gamete production (sperm or eggs) and the release of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogens).

61
Q

HPG axis:

___ and ___ travel to the gonads, promoting gamete production (sperm or eggs) and the release of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogens).

A

LH and FSH travel to the gonads, promoting gamete production (sperm or eggs) and the release of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogens).

62
Q

HPG axis:

LH and FSH travel to the _____, promoting gamete production (sperm or eggs) and the release of sex hormones (_________, ________).

A

HPG axis:

LH and FSH travel to the gonads, promoting gamete production (sperm or eggs) and the release of sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogens).

63
Q

Developmental Mechanisms:
- ___ axis regulates sexual differentiation, initiating the development of gonads and reproductive systems during fetal development.
- In utero, hormone surges from the gonads guide the development of external genitalia and internal tracts.

A

Developmental Mechanisms:
- HPG axis regulates sexual differentiation, initiating the development of gonads and reproductive systems during fetal development.
- In utero, hormone surges from the gonads guide the development of external genitalia and internal tracts.

64
Q

Developmental Mechanisms:
- HPG axis regulates _______ _______, initiating the development of ______ and _______ systems during fetal development.
- In utero, ________ surges from the _____ guide the development of external _______ and internal ______.

A

Developmental Mechanisms:
- HPG axis regulates sexual differentiation, initiating the development of gonads and reproductive systems during fetal development.
- In utero, hormone surges from the gonads guide the development of external genitalia and internal tracts.

65
Q

Activational Mechanisms:
- Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the ___ axis, leading to the development of ________ sexual characteristics.
- _______ neurons play a role in triggering ____ secretion at the onset of puberty.
- _______ is involved in reproductive behavior and bonding, acting within the ____ axis during adulthood.

A

Activational Mechanisms:
- Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the HPG axis, leading to the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Kisspeptin neurons play a role in triggering GnRH secretion at the onset of puberty.
- Oxytocin is involved in reproductive behavior and bonding, acting within the HPG axis during adulthood.

66
Q

What is the SDN-POA? What affects its developmental trajectory in typical males/females? What behaviours have been correlated with SDN-POA size?

A
  • SDN-POA: The Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Preoptic Area, a region in the brain larger in males than females, associated with reproductive behaviours.
  • Its size is influenced by perinatal testosterone levels, which increase in male foetuses, promoting masculinisation of the brain.
  • In females, the absence of high levels of testosterone leads to a smaller SDN-POA.
  • Aromatisation of testosterone to estradiol in the brain also contributes to male-typical development.
  • Larger SDN-POA sizes in males have been linked to male sexual behaviour and mating preferences in animal models.

Lecture 20, Brain Differentiation and Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Preoptic Area

67
Q

What is the SDN-POA?

A

SDN-POA: The Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Preoptic Area, a region in the brain larger in males than females, associated with reproductive behaviours.

68
Q

What affects the SDN-POA’s developmental trajectory in typical males/females? What behaviours have been correlated with SDN-POA size?

A
  • Its size is influenced by perinatal testosterone levels, which increase in male foetuses, promoting masculinisation of the brain.
  • In females, the absence of high levels of testosterone leads to a smaller SDN-POA.
  • Aromatisation of testosterone to estradiol in the brain also contributes to male-typical development.
  • Larger SDN-POA sizes in males have been linked to male sexual behaviour and mating preferences in animal models.
69
Q

SDN-POA: The ________ _________ ________ of the ________ ____, a region in the brain larger in males than females, associated with reproductive behaviours.

A

SDN-POA: The Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Preoptic Area, a region in the brain larger in males than females, associated with reproductive behaviours.

70
Q

SDN-POA: The Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the _______ _____, a region in the brain larger in _____ than ______, associated with reproductive behaviours.

A
71
Q

SDN-POA: Its size is influenced by perinatal testosterone levels, which increase in male foetuses, promoting masculinisation of the brain.

A

SDN-POA: Its size is influenced by perinatal __________ levels, which increase in ____ foetuses, promoting _____________ of the brain.

72
Q

SDN-POA: In _______, the absence of ____ levels of ________ leads to a smaller SDN-POA.

A

SDN-POA: In females, the absence of high levels of testosterone leads to a smaller SDN-POA.

73
Q

SDN-POA: In _______, the absence of ____ levels of ________ leads to a smaller SDN-POA.

A

SDN-POA: In females, the absence of high levels of testosterone leads to a smaller SDN-POA.

74
Q

___________ of testosterone to estradiol in the brain also contributes to male-typical development.

A

Aromatisation of testosterone to estradiol in the brain also contributes to male-typical development.

75
Q

Larger ___ - ___ sizes in males have been linked to male sexual behaviour and mating preferences in animal models.

A

Larger SDN-POA sizes in males have been linked to male sexual behaviour and mating preferences in animal models.

76
Q

______ SDN-POA sizes in _____ have been linked to ____ sexual behaviour and mating preferences in animal models.

A

Larger SDN-POA sizes in males have been linked to male sexual behaviour and mating preferences in animal models.

77
Q

What initiates puberty? What are the main physiological hallmarks/changes of puberty that were discussed in lecture?

A

Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the HPG axis, starting with an increase in GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus.

GnRH pulses increase in frequency, stimulating the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary, which acts on the gonads to produce sex hormones.

Main physiological changes include:
- Growth spurts.
- Development of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development in females, voice deepening in males).
- Increased body hair in both sexes.
- Onset of menstruation in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Hormones like testosterone and oestrogens are responsible for these changes, affecting physical and reproductive maturation.

Lecture 21, HPG Axis and Puberty and Secondary Sex Characteristics

78
Q

What initiates puberty?

A

Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the HPG axis, starting with an increase in GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus.

79
Q

What are the main physiological hallmarks/changes of puberty that were discussed in lecture?

A

Main physiological changes include:
- Growth spurts.
- Development of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development in females, voice deepening in males).
- Increased body hair in both sexes.
- Onset of menstruation in females and spermatogenesis in males.

80
Q

Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the ___ axis, starting with an increase in ____ secretion from the ____________.

A

Puberty is initiated by the reactivation of the HPG axis, starting with an increase in GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus.

81
Q

Puberty: ____ pulses increase in frequency, stimulating the release of ___ and ___ from the anterior pituitary, which acts on the gonads to produce sex hormones.

A

GnRH pulses increase in frequency, stimulating the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary, which acts on the gonads to produce sex hormones.

82
Q

Puberty: ____ pulses increase in frequency, stimulating the release of ___ and ___ from the anterior pituitary, which acts on the gonads to produce sex hormones.

A

GnRH pulses increase in frequency, stimulating the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary, which acts on the gonads to produce sex hormones.

83
Q

Puberty: GnRH pulses increase in frequency, stimulating the release of LH and FSH from the _______ _______, which acts on the _______ to produce sex hormones.

A

GnRH pulses increase in frequency, stimulating the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary, which acts on the gonads to produce sex hormones.

84
Q

Main physiological changes during puberty include:
- Growth spurts.
- Development of ______ sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development in females, voice deepening in males).
- Increased body hair in both sexes.
- Onset of _________ in females and ________ in males.
- Hormones like __________ and __________ are responsible for these changes, affecting physical and reproductive maturation.

A

Main physiological changes include:
- Growth spurts.
- Development of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development in females, voice deepening in males).
- Increased body hair in both sexes.
- Onset of menstruation in females and spermatogenesis in males.
- Hormones like testosterone and oestrogens are responsible for these changes, affecting physical and reproductive maturation.

85
Q

Hormones like __________ and __________ are responsible for puberty changes, affecting __________ and ___________ maturation.

A

Hormones like testosterone and oestrogens are responsible for puberty changes, affecting physical and reproductive maturation.

86
Q

Are sex and gender the same thing? For the purposes of PSYC 317, how do we define transgender?

A
  • Sex refers to anatomical classification (male or female), based on genetics, gonads, and external genitalia.
  • Gender is a psychological construct, determined by self-perception and societal roles, and may not align with one’s biological sex.
  • For PSYC 317, transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity does not align with their assigned biological sex.
  • Gender dysphoria involves distress due to incongruence between gender identity and biological sex.

Lecture 20, Defining Sex vs. Gender and Defining Transgender

87
Q

_____ refers to anatomical classification (male or female), based on genetics, gonads, and external genitalia.

A

Sex refers to anatomical classification (male or female), based on genetics, gonads, and external genitalia.

88
Q

Sex refers to _______ classification (male or female), based on ______, _______, and ______ ______.

A

Sex refers to anatomical classification (male or female), based on genetics, gonads, and external genitalia.

89
Q

What is the definition of sex?

A

Sex refers to anatomical classification (male or female), based on genetics, gonads, and external genitalia.

90
Q

What is the definition of gender?

A

Gender is a psychological construct, determined by self-perception and societal roles, and may not align with one’s biological sex.

91
Q

What is gender?

A

Gender is a psychological construct, determined by self-perception and societal roles, and may not align with one’s biological sex.

92
Q

______ is a psychological construct, determined by self-perception and societal roles, and may not align with one’s biological sex.

A

Gender is a psychological construct, determined by self-perception and societal roles, and may not align with one’s biological sex.

93
Q

For the purposes of PSYC 317, how do we define transgender?

A

For PSYC 317, transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity does not align with their assigned biological sex.

94
Q

What is gender dysphoria?

A

Gender dysphoria involves distress due to incongruence between gender identity and biological sex.

95
Q

______ ______ involves distress due to incongruence between gender identity and biological sex.

A

Gender dysphoria involves distress due to incongruence between gender identity and biological sex.

96
Q

Describe the case study of David Reimer and its general relevance to understanding the factors that drive gender identity.

A
  • David Reimer was born male but raised as a female following a botched circumcision and underwent surgery and hormone treatment to align with a female identity under the guidance of Dr. John Money.
  • Despite being raised as a female, Reimer identified as male and transitioned back to male as an adolescent.
  • His case demonstrated the strong biological influence on gender identity, challenging theories that gender is purely a social construct.
  • Reimer’s story highlights the ethical complexities of gender-related interventions, emphasising that biological factors can significantly shape gender identity.

Lecture 21, Case Study: David Reimer

97
Q

______ ______ was born male but raised as a female following a botched circumcision and underwent surgery and hormone treatment to align with a female identity under the guidance of Dr. John Money.

A

David Reimer was born male but raised as a female following a botched circumcision and underwent surgery and hormone treatment to align with a female identity under the guidance of Dr. John Money.

98
Q

David Reimer ‘s case demonstrated the strong ________ influence on gender identity, challenging theories that gender is purely a ______ construct.

A

David Reimer ‘s case demonstrated the strong biological influence on gender identity, challenging theories that gender is purely a social construct.

99
Q

_________ story highlights the ethical complexities of gender-related interventions, emphasising that ________ factors can significantly shape gender identity.

A

Reimer’s story highlights the ethical complexities of gender-related interventions, emphasising that biological factors can significantly shape gender identity.

100
Q

Sex as a noun refers to _________ _________, while sex as a verb refers to ____________/____________ _________.

A

anatomical classification, copulation/reproductive behavior.

101
Q

The definition of sex (noun) as __________ is based on physical or genetic characteristics, while a ___________ view acknowledges a spectrum between male and female.

A

objective, subjective.

102
Q

The gene responsible for triggering male development in an embryo is the __________ gene, found on the __________ chromosome.

A

SRY, Y.

103
Q

In males, testosterone is first produced around _________ weeks, and it helps develop the _________ system, while females develop the _________ system in the absence of testosterone.

A

9, Wolffian, Müllerian.

104
Q

A blood test can identify an individual’s ___________ sex based on their chromosomes, but it may not reveal their ___________ sex due to hormonal differences or intersex conditions.

A

genotypic, phenotypic.

105
Q

In XX Male Syndrome, the individual has an ______ genotype but develops along ______ lines due to the presence of the __________ gene.

A

XX, male, SRY.

106
Q

In Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), the individual has an ______ genotype but develops along ________ lines because the body does not respond to ____________.

A

XY, female, testosterone.

107
Q

The conversion of testosterone into estradiol through the enzyme __________ is called __________, and it plays a key role in sexual differentiation in the brain.

A

aromatase, aromatisation.

108
Q

The __________-________-______ axis is involved in both developmental mechanisms and activational mechanisms. It begins with the release of __________ from the hypothalamus, which stimulates the release of __________ and __________ from the anterior pituitary.

A

hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG), GnRH, LH, FSH.

109
Q

The sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) is larger in ________ than ________, and its size is influenced by exposure to ________ during development.

A

males, females, testosterone.

110
Q

Puberty begins with an increase in the release of __________, which stimulates the release of LH and FSH from the __________ gland. These hormones act on the __________ to produce sex hormones.

A

GnRH, pituitary, gonads.

111
Q

In PSYC 317, sex refers to __________ classification, while gender is a __________ construct based on self-perception and societal roles.

A

anatomical, psychological.

112
Q

The case study of __________ ________ demonstrated that gender identity may be influenced more by __________ factors than by the environment alone, challenging the theory that gender is purely a social construct.

A