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Ch. 27 The Reproductive System
Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksHoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th EditionCh. 27 The Reproductive SystemProblem 6
Chapter 27, Problem 6

Secondary sex characteristics are:
a. Present in the embryo
b. A result of male or female sex hormones increasing in amount at puberty
c. The testis in the male and the ovary in the female
d. Development of male and female external genitalia

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'secondary sex characteristics': These are traits that emerge during puberty and are influenced by sex hormones, but they are not directly involved in reproduction (unlike primary sex characteristics). Examples include facial hair in males and breast development in females.
Review the role of sex hormones: Secondary sex characteristics develop as a result of increased levels of sex hormones, such as testosterone in males and estrogen/progesterone in females, during puberty.
Eliminate options that describe primary sex characteristics: Primary sex characteristics refer to organs directly involved in reproduction, such as the testis and ovary. These are not secondary sex characteristics, so option c can be excluded.
Consider the timing of development: Secondary sex characteristics are not present in the embryo, as they develop later during puberty. This eliminates option a.
Clarify the distinction between external genitalia and secondary sex characteristics: External genitalia are part of primary sex characteristics, as they are directly involved in reproduction. This eliminates option d, leaving option b as the correct description of secondary sex characteristics.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Secondary sex characteristics are physical traits that emerge during puberty, influenced by sex hormones. In males, these include features like facial hair and a deeper voice, while in females, they encompass breast development and wider hips. These characteristics differentiate the sexes but do not directly relate to reproductive organs.
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Role of Hormones

Hormones, particularly testosterone in males and estrogen in females, play a crucial role in the development of secondary sex characteristics. At puberty, the increase in these hormones triggers various physical changes, marking the transition from childhood to sexual maturity. Understanding hormonal influence is essential for grasping how these characteristics develop.
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Development of Genitalia

The development of male and female external genitalia occurs during embryonic development and is influenced by genetic and hormonal factors. In males, the presence of the Y chromosome leads to the formation of male genitalia, while females develop female genitalia in the absence of male hormones. This differentiation is foundational to understanding sexual development.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Match the key choices with the descriptive phrases below.

Key:

a. Androgen-binding protein

b. Estrogens

c. FSH

d. GnRH

e. Inhibin

f. LH

g. Progesterone

h. Testosterone

(1) Hormones that directly regulate the ovarian cycle

(2) Chemicals in males that inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis

(3) Hormone that makes the cervical mucus viscous

(4) Potentiates the activity of testosterone on spermatogenic cells

(5) Chemicals in females that inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis

(6) Stimulates the secretion of testosterone

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Textbook Question

The usual site of embryo implantation is:

a. The uterine tube

b. The peritoneal cavity

c. The vagina

d. The uterus

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Textbook Question

Which will occur as a result of non-descent of the testes from the interior of the pelvis to the superficial scrotum?

a. Male sex hormones will not be circulated in the body.

b. Sperm will have no means of exit from the body.

c. Inadequate blood supply will retard the development of the testes.

d. Viable sperm will not be produced.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following produces the male sex hormones?

a. Seminal glands

b. Corpus luteum

c. Developing follicles in the testes

d. Interstitial endocrine cells

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Textbook Question

The structures that draw an ovulated oocyte into the female duct system are:

a. Cilia

b. Fimbriae

c. Microvilli

d. Stereocilia

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is correct relative to female anatomy?

a. The vaginal orifice is the most dorsal of the three openings in the perineum.

b. The urethra is between the vaginal orifice and the anus.

c. The anus is between the vaginal orifice and the urethra.

d. The urethra is the more ventral of the two orifices in the vulva.

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