PSYC 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Pubic Hair, Sex Organ, Fetus

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Pukall Caroline F

Document Summary

Xy ( male chromosome: reproductive organs (that produce reproductive cells, the gonads: testes and ovaries) Before the 7th week of gestation, the fetus has no gonads: only possesses chromosomal sex at this point, so the internal structures have not yet developed. There are no male or female hormones. Both male and female bodies manufacture estrogen and testosterone. It is the balance of these hormones that differs between male and female bodies: male bodies produce more testosterone. Primarily in the testes: female bodies produce more estrogen. In male fetuses: it is the presence of testosterone and mullerian inhibiting substance (mis: another hormone that leads to male genitals develop, if this combination (t+mis) is not present female genitals develop, anatomy. Development of male or female genitals (sexual organs) at about 16 weeks: penis or vulva/vagina, serve non-reproductive as well as reproductive functions (whereas the tests and ovaries the gonads only serve reproductive functions.