Summer Research Fellowship

Name: Key Clark

Title of Project: A Review Concerning the Role of Brain Anatomy and Physiology on Gender
Identity

Part I. Aims:

The study seeks to accumulate and assess previous research on the brain’s anatomy and

physiology in creation of a gender identity. This project will utilize a meta-analysis approach to

systematically compile studies. The researcher will use an analytic framework to create a single

review focusing on the biological basis of gender identity. Previous research has used

neuroimaging, recording of electrical stimuli, and cadavers to compare the brains of those that

identify as male, female, transgender, and non-binary (Kreukels, Baudewijntje, Guillamon

2016, 120-28). This review will compile resources through a variety of databases and then the

studies will be filtered on the basis of language, participants, and methodology. The results of

the studies and significance of brain regions will be compiled into a final table for comparison.

Part II. Background:

The project is important because of an increased interest in contemporary neuroscience

as well as improvement in the technology of brain imaging and stimulation. (Bandettini 2009,

260-93) In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in the amount of studies

published relating to the nervous system. This review will attempt to summarize the results.
Moreover, there will be an in-depth analysis of the anatomy and physiology of the brain,

therefore the readers must have a basic understanding of the nervous system.

The two major components of the nervous system are the central and peripheral. The

peripheral nervous system consist of specialized cells called sensory neurons that receive

external stimuli like visual or auditory and transmit this information to afferent neurons.

(Elsevier/Academic Press 2013) The afferent neurons will send the information towards the

processing center known as the brain. The cells in the brain called interneurons and they

function to transmit information within the brain. Therefore, the external stimuli is transmitted

into the body via sensory neurons and then this information moves from the afferent neurons

to the interneurons to activate a specific region in the brain. The brain integrates this

information and elicits a response in the body.

In addition, to providing a response mechanism the brain can also store the external

information through the change in the connectivity of the neurons. Essentially, the brain has

the ability to change its tissues or neural connectivity due to the frequent or infrequent

exposure to stimuli. (V.S Ramachandran 2002)

This creates two possibilities of brain structure and physiology differences from person

to person. One source of brain difference is due to the genetic predisposition that creates the

brain structure and function. The other is due to the alteration of a person’s brain due to the

surrounding environment on account of brain plasticity.

Part III. Argument and Significance:

 This study will examine the ways that genetics and the environment contribute to brain

anatomy and physiology. In essence, this project will identify how genes may predispose a brain

structure and function and how this influence the creation of a gender identity. Additionally,

this review will examine the impacts of the environment on the brain and the ways this may

create a gender identity.

The brain is a unique organ in that it has the ability to incorporate both the biological

predispositions that contribute to a person’s identity as well as the social forces that also play a

significant role. This review will compile the findings that intertwines the social and the science.

This project seeks to compile and critique the scientific evidence analyzing the brain

structure in order to determine if the brain is a feasible organ to help us understand gender

identity. The topic of gender identity is relatively new. The late 19th century was the earliest

date that gender identity has presented itself in medical literature. Gender identity in scientific

journals became prevalent again in the 1950s only to be associated among sexual pervasions.1

(Drescher 2013, 137-50)

In the 21st century, gender is a topic that has become heavily discussed in the medical

literature as well as the popular culture. This can be attributed to the fact that society is

attempting to understand the fluidity of gender and how to categorize those that do not act

according to the behaviors that are accepted as male or female. The increase in interest in

gender highlights the importance that gender plays in determining self-identity and the

interactions among people. For instance, Bem (1993) describes gender as a large determinant
in behavior.2 Gender contributes to the creation of the self. Therefore it is essential to have a

solid understanding of the source of gender identity . This may help to understand the reasons

people act in a specific way. (Roselli 2017)

Additionally, gender is a major force on groups are created. (Martin 1992, 208-31) In

social groups understanding the formation of gender is essential to viewing the dynamics,

interactions, and success of the group. Essentially, this research is reexamining biological traits

that may create an understanding of those that are viewed separate from a gender stereotype.

The purpose of the study is to develop a stronger understanding of gender identity. With this

knowledge we may be able to curtail prejudice against those that identify contrary to gender

norms. Essentially, work to create stronger and more effective groups across a wider range of

people.

Part IV. Project Design/Methods/ Results:

The study will begin with appropriately defining my research question; “Does gender

identity have a biological basis in the brain differences?”. From my research question I will

begin reviewing literature from the databases: PubMed, Medline, PyschINFO, Gender Watch,

Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered History in America and Google

Scholar. This study will only include scholarly papers that have been peer reviewed and is in

English or translated to English. In addition, clinical studies will only be reviewed. Following the

initial screen, the studies will be analyzed using more details such as population, participants,

and the use of model organisms. Model organisms will not be included because they cannot
provide a gender identity. Following the selection of certain documents the results will be

compiled on a spreadsheet or table in order to easily compare the sources. (Petitti 1999, 94-

118) The results will be presented in the final study.

Part V. Literature Cited

Bandettini, Peter A. "What's New in Neuroimaging Methods?" Annals of the New York Academy
of Sciences 1156, no. 1 (2009): 260-93. Accessed March 6, 2018. doi:10.1111/j.1749-
6632.2009.04420.x.

Bem, Sandra L. The Lenses of Gender Transforming the Debate on Sexual Inequality.
Vancouver: Access and Diversity, Crane Library, University of British Columbia, 2015.

Drescher, Jack. "Gender Identity Diagnoses: History and Controversies." Gender Dysphoria and
Disorders of Sex Development Focus on Sexuality Research, 2013, 137-50.
doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-7441-8_7.

Fundamental Neuroscience. 3rd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic Press, 2013.

Kreukels, Baudewijntje P.c., and Antonio Guillamon. "Neuroimaging Studies in People with
Gender Incongruence." International Review of Psychiatry 28, no. 1 (2016): 120-28.
doi:10.3109/09540261.2015.1113163.

Martin, Patricia Yancey. "Gender, Interaction, and Inequality in Organizations." Gender,

Interaction, and Inequality, 1992, 208-231. doi:10.1007/978-1-4757-2199-7_9.

Petitti, Diana B. "Statistical Methods in Meta-Analysis." Meta-Analysis, Decision Analysis, and

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, 1999, 94-118.
doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195133646.003.07.

Ramachandran, V.S. "Neuroplasticity, Developmental." Encyclopedia of the Human Brain. Vol.

3. Amsterdam: Academic Press, 2002.

Roselli, Charles E. "Neurobiology of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation." Journal of

Neuroendocrinology, 2017. doi:10.1111/jne.12562.

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