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Kalat’s Book Chapter 11

Alphabetical

alpha-fetoprotein

alpha-fetoprotein

Alpha-Fetal Protein (AFP) or alpha-1-

fetoprotein. During a prenatal sensitive period,

estradiol causes masculinization. AFP protects

developing females from this process.

androgens

androgens

Any chemical or hormone that stimulates

male development or characteristics. Male

hormones; testosterone is most well known.

estradiol

estradiol

Best known estrogen. Prenatally causes

masculinization; at puberty causes

secondary female sexual characteristics.

estrogens

estrogens

Any chemical or hormone that stimulates

female development or characteristics. Female

hormones; estradiol is most well known.

follicle-stimulating hormone

follicle-stimulating hormone

FSH. Released by pituitary gland. Promotes

growth of ovary follicles. releases estradiol

and (along with LH) causes follicle to release

ovum.

gender identity

gender identity

Self-identification as male or female.

hermaphrodite

hermaphrodite

Usually refers to ambiguous genitalia, or that

genetic sex and genitals don’t match. Can

include having both testicular & ovarian tissue.

hyperplasia

hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Abnormality of the adrenal glands. Excess

testosterone; symptoms vary. Little impact on

males, can masculinize females (excess

facial hair, enlarged clitoris).

impotence

impotence

Impotence: Inability to have an erection (this

is usually not caused by low testosterone

levels in the body). Impotence can be treated

by increasing blood circulation in the penis

and hypothalamus.

intersex

intersex

Sexual development that is on a continuum

between male and female. Includes girls with

congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Makes

gender identity more difficult.

luteinizing hormone

luteinizing hormone

LH. Lutropin. Released from pituitary gland.

Along with FSH, triggers release of an ovum.

menstrual cycle

menstrual cycle

Cyclical variation in hormones; only occurs in

women. Lasts about 28 days; prepares body

for pregnancy.

Müllerian ducts

Müllerian ducts

Develops into female internal organs.

Present in both boys and girls, hormones

determine if they develop or disappear.

organizing effects

organizing effects

In contrast to activating effects. During

sensitive developmental stage, hormones

determine primary differences in males &

females.

activating effects

activating effects

In contrast to organizing effects. Can occur

at any time, have impact only as long as

hormone is present. At puberty, hormones

activate secondary sexual characteristics.

ovaries

ovaries

Two ovum-producing organs; left and right.

When follicle erupts, ovum is released by

ovary into the fallopian tube.

oxytocin

oxytocin

Hormone released by pituitary. Involved in

triggering uterus contractions during birth,

stimulating mammary glands, sexual

pleasure, parental bonding & recognition of

familiar faces.

periovulatory period

periovulatory period

Mid-point of menstrual cycle. Associated

with high estrogen levels, fertility,

preference for more masculine partners,

increased sexual interest, and subjective

feelings of being attractive.

progesterone

progesterone

Hormone. In men, it is a precursor of

testosterone and counters estrogen effects.

In women, builds and maintains uterine wall

for implantation, and maintains pregnancy.

sensitive period

sensitive period

Limited time during which development can

be greatly changed. Can refer to physical

development, language acquisition and

childhood interests.

sexual selection

sexual selection

Darwin’s concept about which traits may

survive. Includes mate choice by females

and male-male competition.

sexually dimorphic nucleus

sexually dimorphic nucleus

Part of hypothalamus; larger in males than

females. In females, generates hormone cycles

for menstrual periods. In men, impacts appetite

and stereotypical copulatory behaviors.

SRY gene

SRY gene

Sex-determining region on Y chromosome.

Codes the presence of a protein that initiates

testes differentiation.

steroid hormones

steroid hormones

Lipid-soluble molecules derived from

cholesterol, includes androgens & estrogens.

Can directly activate cytoplasm proteins or

bind to chromosomes & cell receptors.

testis

testis

Male gonads. Produce sperm. Triggered by

FSH to release testosterone.

testicular feminization

testicular feminization

Caused by insensitivity to androgen. Alters

genetic males genitalia; impact varies. Can

cause smaller penis or female-like genitals.

testosterone

testosterone

Best known androgen. Impacts male

development.

Wolffian ducts

Wolffian ducts

Develops into male internal organs. Present

in both boys and girls, hormones determine if

they develop or disappear.

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