PSYC 3480 Chapter 3: Psych of Women - Chapter 3
Document Summary
Prenatal development: prenatal sex differentiation the biological processes that influence the making of one"s physical sex, biological sex is multidimensional defined by one"s chromosome"s, hormones, reproductive organs, and brain organization. Chromosomes: sex chromosomes contain the genetic material that begins the process of sex differentiation, xx female (one from each parent), xy male (x from mother, y from father) External genitalia: previously undifferentiated tissue external genitalia, xx fetuses estrogen differentiates this tissue as the clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening, xy testosterone transforms the tissue into the penis and scrotum. 2 chromosomes necessary for the development of the gonads. Estrogen therapy at puberty enables girls to develop secondary sex characteristics (breasts, pubic hair) Adrenal glands of genetic female malfunction and produce high levels of androgens. Partial or complete masculinization of external genitals. Needs hormone therapy to prevent further masculinization of body. Body of a genetic male cannot utilize androgen. Inability of body tissue to respond to androgen feminizes the external genitals.
