Chapter 45 Animal reproductive systems
The female reproductive system
The male reproductive system
In the absence of a signal from the male gonads, all embryos develop as female, regardless
of whether they are genetically male (XY) or female (XX).
The development of male genitalia requires some signal from the male gonads during
embryonic development.
Sham surgery: open the embryo, but do not remove the gonads.
Estrogen signaling pathway
Estrogen triggers puberty. High levels of estrogen are not associated with delayed puberty
Delayed puberty possible if:
- Low estrogen level
- Molecule is structurally defective
Can be solved by estrogen therapy (supplemental estrogen)
- Receptors can’t bind to estrogen
- Too few receptors
- Receptor can’t enter nucleus
Affected by genetic mutation
The female reproductive system
The male reproductive system
In the absence of a signal from the male gonads, all embryos develop as female, regardless
of whether they are genetically male (XY) or female (XX).
The development of male genitalia requires some signal from the male gonads during
embryonic development.
Sham surgery: open the embryo, but do not remove the gonads.
Estrogen signaling pathway
Estrogen triggers puberty. High levels of estrogen are not associated with delayed puberty
Delayed puberty possible if:
- Low estrogen level
- Molecule is structurally defective
Can be solved by estrogen therapy (supplemental estrogen)
- Receptors can’t bind to estrogen
- Too few receptors
- Receptor can’t enter nucleus
Affected by genetic mutation
