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Sexual Development
Three categories of sex organs (primary sex characteristics)
Gonads (testes or ovaries)
Develop first (Sry testes; otherwise ovaries) Produce ova/sperm and secret hormones Critical Period of sexual development: Gestational weeks 7-12
Sexual Development
Gonads can become either Testes or Ovaries
Develop as a function of the presence or absence of SRY gene In males, at 7th week, outer portions of gonads degenerate and inner portions develop into testes In females, at 11th week, inner portions of gonads degenerate and outer portions develop into ovaries
Sexual Development
Gonads become testes in males
Testes - endocrine glands that produce
Sexual Development
Gonads become ovaries in females
Ovaries- endocrine glands that produce female hormones (e.g.estrogen)
Sexual Development
Internal sex organ precursors
Mullerian system female
Develops into fimbriae, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina
Sexual Development
Wolffian Ducts - later become
epididymis vas deferens seminal vesicles
Sexual Development
External sex organs
Penis and scrotum in males Labia, clitoris, and outer vagina in females Female development is the default
Natures impulse is to create a female
11-12 weeks
19 weeks
5 months
15 weeks
16 weeks
An XY male with female external genitalia; have a womans body but not internal female sex organs
Turners syndrome
Individuals have only one sex hormone: an X chromosome
Essentially develop into females (normal internal/external sex organs) However, no ovaries since two XX chromosomes needed
In males, these hormones stimulate testes to produce sperms and secrete testosterone (androgens) In females, they stimulate the ovaries to produce estradiol (estrogens)
Puberty cont.
Nutrition affects age of puberty
Reduced in developing countries Thin girls reach puberty later
Due to the presence of leptin
Hypothalamus
FSHRF LHRF
Anterior Pituitary
Hypothalamus
FSHRF LHRF
Anterior Pituitary
FSH LH OVARIES ICSH(LH) TESTES FSH
Hypothalamus
FSHRF LHRF
Anterior Pituitary
FSH LH OVARIES ICSH*(LH) TESTES FSH
Ovum Growth
Estrogen (estradiol)
Testosterone
Spermatogenesis
* Interstitial-cell stimulating hormone
Sexual Maturation
Secondary sex characteristics (onset of puberty)
Females (estradiol)
Enlarged breasts Growth of the lining of the uterus Widened hips Maturation of genitalia
Females (androgens)
Underarm and pubic hair (face as well)
Males (androgens)
Facial, underarm, and pubic hair Deep voice Alter hairline (baldness) Muscle development Maturation of genitalia
Males (estradiol)
Enlarged breasts