Lecture: #13 (The Trouble with testosterone: hormones, physiology & behavior)

Question 1

Hormones

Answer 1

• chemicals that control many body functions, like growth, development, metabolism, and mood.
• Hormones are chemical signals secreted into body fluids and released by various glands to regulate different bodily functions; Various structures in the body produce hormones, serving as regulators that control and influence different processes.
• When cells have the proper receptor, either located inside the nucleus (steroid hormones) or on the cell surface (peptide hormones), the hormone-receptor complex can initiate various cellular responses:

Question 2

Steroid hormones

Answer 2

• Derived from cholesterol
• Can enter the cell nucleus and directly interact with DNA to influence gene expression

Examples: Cortisol, testosterone, estrogen

Question 3

Peptide hormones

Answer 3

• Derived from amino acids
• Transmembrane proteins allow steroid hormones can freely pass through the membrane due to their hydrophobic nature.

Examples: Oxytocin, insulin

Question 4

Cortisol

Answer 4

• Produced primarily by the adrenal gland
  (on either side above your kidneys)
• Stress Response: When you perceive a threat, your body releases cortisol to prepare for

Steroid hormone

Stress Response involves:
* Increased blood sugar (glucose): breakdown of glycogen (stored carbohydrates)
* Elevated blood pressure
* Suppressed immune system.

Question 5

testosterone

Answer 5

• Affects development of secondary sex characteristics in both sexes
• Plays a role in male sperm production
• Testosterone promotes muscle growth by increasing cell division.

Steroid hormone

Men: Perform better in mental rotation tasks (identifying rotated objects),due to higher testosterone levels.

Question 6

estrogen

Answer 6

• Crucial role in female reproduction (ovulation, follicle development)
• Linked to benefits in memory, dexterity, speech, and depression treatment

Steroid hormone

Women: Excel in object memory tasks (remembering objects), linked to higher estrogen levels. These levels can even impact test results during the menstrual cycle.

Question 7

Oxytocin

Peptide hormones

Answer 7

Produced in hypothalamus; released from pituitary gland

Functions:
* Directs milk production/uterine contractions during birth.
* Causes people to form social attachments; to trust others more
* Skin-to-skin contact stimulates releases of oxytocin ( adaptive value of being more trusting with parent)