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Madina G.'s picture

hormone levels

I think Jean brings up a really interesting point about the neurons being the same yet exposed to different "bathing waters" between the two sexes. This implies that neuron activity is identical in all humans yet the difference in hormonal levels between males and females results in different interactions between neurons and their environment and consequently in different observable behavior. This reminds me of our class discussion on neurons, cabling and synapses only I'm having some difficulty accepting this idea of behavioral dependency on chemical composition. If this is the case, and each individual has their own distinct endocrine system that secretes varying levels of hormones, then based on this assumption how are we able to attribute certain qualities to one particular gender? How do hormonal levels dictate the "nurturing mother" quality in women who have given birth? Suppose the father exhibits this quality moreso; would this imply he has higher levels of estrogen and progesterone than normal? Since these are hormones present in males as well, what is the horomone level threshold that makes the interaction between neuron and hormone distinguished as to result in a difference in behavior?

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