COGNITIVE SCIENCE 17

Why Sex is Necessary

Part 1
Jaime A. Pineda, Ph.D.

Why is Sex Necessary?

Sexually dimorphic behaviors
Anatomical, physiological, and behavioral differences between males and females of the same species.
Courting Mating Parental behavior Aggressive behavior

Without these behaviors most species would not survive

Is Sexual Identity Learned?

The case of Bruce who became Brenda who became David
Socialization over biology?

XX (female) and XY (male) genes

A persons genetic sex is determined by the father SRY gene on short arm of Y chromosome- dictates the development of the fetal testis (testis-determining factor) and triggers action of receptors to receive chemical message hormone brings

Is Sexual Identity Learned?

The Y chromosome controls the development of the glands that produce the male sex hormones The default sex (if the Y chromosome isnt present or doesnt work) is female

Initially, there are more males than females

Sexual Development
Three categories of sex organs (primary sex characteristics)
Gonads (testes or ovaries)
Develop first (Sry testes; otherwise ovaries) Produce ova/sperm and secret hormones Critical Period of sexual development: Gestational weeks 7-12

Internal sex organs External sex organs

Sexual Development
Gonads can become either Testes or Ovaries
Develop as a function of the presence or absence of SRY gene In males, at 7th week, outer portions of gonads degenerate and inner portions develop into testes In females, at 11th week, inner portions of gonads degenerate and outer portions develop into ovaries

Sexual Development
Gonads become testes in males
Testes - endocrine glands that produce

male hormones (androgens) Mullerian Inhibiting Substance

Most changes reflect the presence or absence of androgen

Sexual Development
Gonads become ovaries in females
Ovaries- endocrine glands that produce female hormones (e.g.estrogen)

Sexual Development
Internal sex organ precursors
Mullerian system female
Develops into fimbriae, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina

Wolffian system male

Develops into epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles

Develop as a function of hormones released by testes

Mullerian inhibiting hormone or anti Mullerian hormone(defeminizing effect) Androgens (masculinizing effect): testosterone/dihydrotestosterone

Sexual Development
Wolffian Ducts - later become
epididymis vas deferens seminal vesicles

Mullerian Ducts - later become

uterus fallopian tubes upper part of vagina

Sexual Development
External sex organs
Penis and scrotum in males Labia, clitoris, and outer vagina in females Female development is the default
Natures impulse is to create a female

Male development requires androgens

Undifferentiated External Genitalia (<7 weeks)

Partially differentiated external male & female genitalia

Fully developed male & female external genitalia

Fetal External Genitals: Female

11-12 weeks

19 weeks

Fetal External Genitals: Female

5 months

Fetal External Genitals: Male

15 weeks

16 weeks

Sexual Development Dysfunctions

Androgen insensitivity syndrome
Genetic mutation that prevents the formation of androgen receptors
Gonads become testes (normal process) Defeminization (normal process) Lack of masculinization (abnormal process)

An XY male with female external genitalia; have a womans body but not internal female sex organs

Sexual Development Dysfunctions

Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome
Failure to produce anti-Mullerian hormone Absence of receptors for this hormone
In an XY male, defeminization does not occur but masculanization does Person is born with both sets of internal sex organs

Turners syndrome
Individuals have only one sex hormone: an X chromosome
Essentially develop into females (normal internal/external sex organs) However, no ovaries since two XX chromosomes needed

PUBERTY - development of secondary sex characteristics

Puberty occurs when hypothalamus begins to secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) causing pituitary to release
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Luteinizing hormone (LH)

In males, these hormones stimulate testes to produce sperms and secrete testosterone (androgens) In females, they stimulate the ovaries to produce estradiol (estrogens)

Puberty cont.
Nutrition affects age of puberty
Reduced in developing countries Thin girls reach puberty later
Due to the presence of leptin

Hormonal Changes in Puberty

Hypothalamus
FSHRF LHRF

Anterior Pituitary

Hormonal Changes in Puberty

Hypothalamus
FSHRF LHRF

Anterior Pituitary
FSH LH OVARIES ICSH(LH) TESTES FSH

Hormonal Changes in Puberty

Hypothalamus
FSHRF LHRF

Anterior Pituitary
FSH LH OVARIES ICSH*(LH) TESTES FSH

Ovum Growth
Estrogen (estradiol)

Ovulation Corpus Luteum

Progesterone

Testosterone
Spermatogenesis
* Interstitial-cell stimulating hormone

Sexual Maturation
Secondary sex characteristics (onset of puberty)
Females (estradiol)
Enlarged breasts Growth of the lining of the uterus Widened hips Maturation of genitalia

Females (androgens)
Underarm and pubic hair (face as well)

Males (androgens)
Facial, underarm, and pubic hair Deep voice Alter hairline (baldness) Muscle development Maturation of genitalia

Males (estradiol)
Enlarged breasts

Hormonal Control of Reproductive Cycle

Menstrual cycle
Begins with secretion of FSH to stimulate growth of ovarian follicles (epithelial cells surrounding each ovum) As ovarian follicles mature they secrete estradiol causing the growth of the lining of the uterus (preparation for fertilization) Increasing levels of estradiol triggers the release of LH causing ovulation (release of ovum) Ovum enters a Fallopian tube and starts migrating towards uterus. If it meets sperm and becomes fertilized it begins to divide and then attaches itself to uterus wall If it is not fertilized, the ruptured ovarian follicle (corpus luteum) and the lining of the uterine wall will be expelled menstruation commences