4,503
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Sexual Differentiation - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:44, 3 July 2008
, 10:44, 3 July 2008→External Genetalia
== External Genetalia ==
== External Genetalia ==
'''MALE'''
* Potential to develop male of female external genetalia. '''Testosterone''' is required to develop male external genetalia.
* Androgen secretion from the Testes induces:
** '''Urethral folds''' to fuse to allow enclosure of the urethral tube. This, together with the cells from the '''genital swelling''', forms the '''shaft of the Penis'''.
** '''Genital swellings''' fuse in the midline to allow formation of the '''Scrotum'''
** '''Genital Tubercle''' expands to give rise to the '''Glans Penis'''
'''FEMALE'''
* Development is ensured by the absence of Testosterone, it is independent of Ovarian endocrine activity.
* '''Urethral folds''' and '''Genital Swellings''' remain separate to form the '''Labia Minora and Majora'''.
* '''Genital tubercle''' forms the '''Clitoris'''
* Exposure of the female tract to Androgens will masculinise external genetalia.
* Failure of proper endocrine communication between the gonads, internal and external genitalia can lead to '''dissociation''' of gonadal and genital sex.