Sexual differentiation

Sexual differentiation is the process of development of the differences between males and females from an undifferentiated zygote. As male and female individuals develop from zygotes into fetuses, into infants, children, adolescents, and eventually into adults, these differences become more pronounced.

Pronunciation

• UK: /ˌsɛkʃuːəl ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃiːˈeɪʃən/
• US: /ˌsɛkʃuəl ˌdɪfərˈɛnʃiːˈeɪʃən/

Etymology

The term "sexual differentiation" comes from the Latin sexus meaning "sex", and differentia meaning "difference".

Process

Sexual differentiation begins with the XY sex-determination system where the presence or absence of the Y-chromosome leads to the development into either male or female. The SRY gene on the Y-chromosome triggers the development of testes in males. In the absence of a Y-chromosome, the embryo develops ovaries.

The testes and ovaries produce hormones that direct sexual differentiation. In males, the testes produce testosterone which leads to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. In females, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, leading to the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Related terms

• Gonadal differentiation
• Sex determination
• Sexual dimorphism
• Hermaphroditism
• Intersex

See also

• Developmental biology
• Endocrinology
• Genetics
• Reproductive biology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sexual differentiation
• Wikipedia's article - Sexual differentiation

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