Hormones and Sexual Dimorphism

class of hormones that activates androgen receptors

can affect body by binding to androgen receptors or being converted to DHT or estradiol (estrogen)

can affect the body by binding to receptors, is a stronger version of testosterone (less needed)

class of hormones that activates estrogen receptors

can be produced in ovaries or in the brain (in males), can affect the body by binding to estrogen receptors

starting material for hormones like testosterone, DHT, and estradiol

converts testosterone into estradiol

turns testosterone into DHT

body can't make DHT, high testosterone levels in puberty to make up for loss of DHT (female appearance at birth, induces male typical appearance)

normal testes and testosterone levels, mutation in androgen receptor gene prevents body from responding to T or DHT (female appearance for life)

sexually dimorphic nucleus (SDN) of preoptic area, medial amygdala

anterior ventral periventricular region

testosterone acts (conversion to estradiol by aromatase) near time of birth to increase the size of the SDN

a method in which an antibody is used to determine which DNA sequences are targeted by transcription factors like estrogen receptors

when given the choice between toys with wheels and dolls, males preferred wheeled toys, but females played with both

testosterone increased rough and tumble play in females

a disorder where the adrenal gland produces androgens instead of cortisol, resulting in ambiguous genitals in girls

can be treated with a form of cortisol (dexamethasone) and reconstructive surgery, results in normal life most of the time

artificial cortisol that tricks brain into thinking cortisol is present, reduces androgen production by adrenal glands

preferred male playmates and often characterized as "tomboys", displayed reduced interest in infant care

literally half male and half female