Learning Objectives

1. Specify the sources and function of each of the hormones important for sexuality, specifically testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, and GnRH.
2. Describe the negative feedback loop regulating sex hormone levels in the male and in the female.
3. Compare and contrast the male and female sex hormone systems.
4. Specify when and how sexual differentiation begins in the embryo and describe the differences in the process for the male and female.
5. Describe sex differences in the brain in terms of their location and their effect.
6. List the eight variables of gender, and indicate their relationship to normal and abnormal gender development.
7. Compare and contrast Money's view versus Diamond's view of gender identity.
8. Describe the homologous and analogous sex organs in males and females.
9. Specify the evidence that supports the hypothesis that gender identity is a result of learning versus that which suggests that gender identity is largely due to "biological programming."
10. Indicate the differences between puberty and adolescence.
11. Describe the process of puberty in the male and in the female from the standpoint of changes in external appearance, internal functioning and hormonal and glandular activity.
12. Describe some of the potential problems associated with puberty.
13. Evaluate the contributions John Money has made to our understanding of the process of sexual differentiation.
14. Define and describe hermaphroditism, adrenogenital syndrome, progestin-induced hermaphroditism, and testicular feminizing syndrome.