Chapter 5 Outline

Sex Steroids Consist of Three Groups

• Box 5.1: Biology of Sex: Testicles by the Ton—The Discovery of Sex Steroids
• Testosterone Is a Sex Hormone in Both Men and Women
• Estradiol Is Synthesized from Testosterone in Both Sexes
• Progesterone Is a Female Hormone
• Sex Steroids Activate Specific Receptor Molecules

Study questions: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15

Proteins and Peptide Hormones Are Gene Products

• Oxytocin Is Secreted by Neuroendocrine Cells of the Hypothalamus
• GnRH Stimulates the Release of Pituitary Sex Hormones
• The Pituitary Gonadotropins Are Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Other Pituitary Hormones Include Prolactin and Growth Hormone
• Protein Hormones Are Secreted by Other Tissues

Study questions: 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

Prostaglandins and Monoamines Also Influence Sexual Functions

Study questions: 23 | 24

A Brain–Pituitary–Testis Loop Controls Gonadal Function in Men

• The Regulation of Testosterone Levels and Spermatogenesis Is Coupled
• Testosterone and Inhibin Exert Negative Feedback on Gonadotropin Release
• Testosterone Has Multiple Functions in Men
• Box 5.2: Biology of Sex: Steroids and Sports
• Estradiol Has Wide-Ranging Effects in Men’s Bodies

Study questions: 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34

Menstruation Has Biological and Social Aspects

• Box 5.3: Society, Values, and the Law: Attitudes toward Menstruation
• Women Use Pads, Tampons, or Cups during Menstruation

Study questions: 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39

The Menstrual Cycle Involves the Ovaries, Brain, Pituitary, and Uterus

• The Cycle Is of Variable Length
• Box 5.4: Biology of Sex: Menstrual Synchrony: Reality or Myth?
• The Cycle Consists of Menstrual, Follicular, and Luteal Phases
• The Menstrual Phase Is Triggered by a Drop in Progesterone Levels
• The Follicular Phase is Marked by the Maturation of Ovarian Follicles
• During the Luteal Phase the Uterus Is Prepared for Pregnancy
• Sex Steroids Affect Systems in Women Besides the Reproductive Tract
• The Menstrual Cycle Influences Sexuality

Study questions: 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58

Menstrual Problems Are Common But Treatable

• Menstrual Pain Might or Might Not Reflect Underlying Pelvic Disease
• Premenstrual Syndrome Has Physical and Psychological Aspects
• Menstruation Stops during Pregnancy—And for Many Other Reasons

Study questions: 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63

Sex Hormone–Related Compounds Exist in the Environment

• Box 5.5: Biology of Sex: Sex Hormones in the Environment

Study questions: 64 | 65 | 66 | 67