Male Reproductive Behavior Flashcards
Functions of hormones
Development of sperm cells
Development of secondary sex characteristics
Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones
Hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to anterior pituitary gland
Anterior pituitary gland secretes gonadotropins
1. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
2. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) aka interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH)
Hypothalamus and pituitary hormones continued
FSH (ICSH) promotes development of sperm producing cells
Testicular interstitial cells secrete male sex hormones
LH stimulates supporting cells of seminiferous tubules to respond to testosterone
Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones con’t
FSH + testosterone + supporting cell stimulate spermatogenic cells to give rise to sperm
Supporting cells secrete inhibin, a hormone which inhibits the anterior pituitary gland preventing secretion of FSH
Male Sex hormones
Androgens
Produced in adrenal cortex
Main one is testosterone
Androgen production
Mainly produced in leydig cells Cholesterol is substrate Main one is testosterone Function works as DHT, T, and E2: 1. Sex determination/differentation 2. Male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics 3. Spermatogenesis 4. Feedback on gonadotropin
Actions of testosterone
Stimulates enlargement of testes and male accessory organs
Development of male secondary sex characteristics
Male sexual behavior
All behaviors necessary and sufficient to combine gametes
Sex drive is motivational part to encourage individuals to seek sex
2 phases
Appetitive: seeking
Consummately: actually having sex
Androgens cause sexual behavior
Hormones change probability that a particular behavior will be exhibited in a specific context
Effects of experience interact with hormones to affect behavior
Coolidge effect
After mating with a female, not interested in same female for awhile
Andropause
Male decrease in sexual activity can be treated with testosterone and DHT
Chemical castration
Treats paraphiliac disorders
CPA
Anti androgen
Interferes with binding of androgens
Decreases LH secretion and subsequent T production
MPA
Reduces plasma concentrations of T
Reduces LH secretion and subsequent T production
Increases enzyme levels in liver that metabolize T accelerating clearance from blood
