Psychology 2035A/B Lecture Notes - Menstruation, Complement Factor B, Ejaculation
23 Oct 2013
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If x sperm fertilizes egg: genetic female (xx) If y sperm fertilizes egg: genetic male (xy) The genetic factor: the gonadal factor (development of reproductive organs: tests or ovaries) If present, it (a) stimulates development of tests; (b) inhibits development of ovaries. Genetic female (xx); with tiny piece of y chromosome attached (xxy) Big enough to stimulate development of testes, not big enough to inhibit development of ovaries (therefore both: the hormonal factor (development of sex organs: penis or clitoris and vagina) Genetic female with unusually active adrenal glands (produce androgens) Fetus develops sex organs that appear to be male (clitoris is enlarged, vagina is fused) (b) androgen-insensitivity syndrome: Genetic male with normal testes that produce normal levels of androgens; Sex organ have female appearance (looks like a vagina, but lack depth; penis looks like clitoris; testes remain up inside body) If everything goes as planned, you are now a biological male or female (prenatal sexual differentiation is complete)
