Question

Corbin, a 13 -year-old, asks his brother if hormones are responsible for Corbin's sudden growth of facial hair. His brother responds, "Yes, it's because hormones called are being released into your bloodstream, where they affect the organs in your body through the system." a. androgens; endocrine b. estrogens; central nervous c. estrogens; endocrine d. androgens; central nervous

Short answer

The correct answer is (a) androgens; endocrine.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the hormone responsible for facial hair growth

We should first identify the hormone that is responsible for facial hair growth. Estrogens are a class of hormones that are primary female sex hormones. Androgens, on the other hand, are a class of hormones that increase the development of male characteristics. Since facial hair growth is a male characteristic, Androgens are responsible for this development.

Identify the system that the hormones affect

Now we need to identify the system that is affected by these hormones to cause the growth of facial hair. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream, where they can be delivered to organs and tissues. The central nervous system is responsible for controlling the functions of the body and mind. Given that hormones are released into the bloodstream, the endocrine system is the correct choice.

Match the information with the given options

Finally, we should match the hormone and system identified in previous steps with the given options. Since we have determined that the hormone responsible for facial hair growth is Androgens, and the system affected by these hormones is the endocrine system, option (a) Androgens; endocrine is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Androgens

Androgens are a group of hormones that play a vital role in male traits and reproductive activity. While both men and women produce androgens, they are often referred to as male hormones due to their higher levels in men.

The primary androgen is testosterone, but there are other important androgenic hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione. These hormones affect the development of male characteristics. Some of their key functions include initiating puberty, influencing the growth of facial and body hair, and contributing to the deepening of the voice.

Androgens also have a role in muscle mass increase and bone density. They are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and for mood regulation. It's interesting to note that women also require androgens, albeit in smaller amounts, for optimal health, particularly for bone and muscle maintenance.

Hormonal changes in puberty

Puberty is a transformative period in adolescents’ lives, marked by significant hormonal changes. These changes are vital for the development of adult size and characteristics.

During puberty, the body starts producing higher levels of certain hormones that stimulate physical growth and development. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Stimulates testosterone production in males.
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Works with testosterone to support spermatogenesis, the production of sperm.

These hormones trigger the testes in boys and ovaries in girls, resulting in the production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. The physical manifestations of these hormonal changes include the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as growth of facial hair in boys and breast development in girls. The endocrine system plays the primary role in coordinating these hormonal changes, ensuring a balanced transition during adolescence.

Growth of facial hair in teenagers

The growth of facial hair in teenagers is one of the most visible signs of puberty in boys. This development is primarily driven by androgens, which are produced in higher quantities during this stage of life.

Testosterone and its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), directly influence hair follicles in areas like the cheeks, chin, and upper lip. Androgens enhance the growth of thicker and more pigmented hair, transitioning from the fine, light vellus hair to the coarser terminal hair typical in adults.

This process usually begins around the ages of 12 to 16 and can vary widely among individuals, influenced by genetic factors and ethnic background. Pubertal hair growth progresses in stages, often starting with the upper lip, followed by sideburns, and eventually covering a larger area of the face. This transition is a hallmark of the adolescent phase, reflecting the intricate interplay of genetic predisposition, hormonal balance, and physical maturation.