Psychology 2036A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Pubic Hair, Y Chromosome, Clitoris

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2036A/B
• Professor: Doug Hazlewood

Document Summary

Xx= female: stimulates development of testes, inhibits development of ovaries. Begins at conception (sperm fertilizes egg: the genetic factor. First step towards becoming a male or female. Father"s sperm contains either x or y chromosome: the gonadal factor. Influences development of reproductive organs (testes or ovaries) A genetic female (xx) with a tiny piece of y chromosome attached (xxy) Y chromosome is big enough to stimulate development of testes. Not big enough to inhibit development of ovaries: the hormonal factor. Development of sex organs (penis or clitoris & vagina) Adam principle: when androgens are present, penis develops. Eve principle: when androgens are absent, clitoris & vagina develop. Genetic female with unusually active adrenal glands produce androgens. Results in fetus developing sex organs that appear to be male. Ex: clitoris is enlarged & vagina is partially fused. Genetic male with normal testes that produce normal levels or androgens. Body is insensitive & doesn"t respond to androgens.