Sexual development

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Sexual development

Sexual development (pronunciation: /ˈsɛkʃuəl dɪˈvɛləpmənt/) refers to the process by which individuals develop the physical characteristics and behaviors associated with their sex. This process is influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

Etymology

The term "sexual development" is derived from the Latin sexus, meaning "sex", and the Old French developper, meaning "to unfold or reveal".

Process

Sexual development begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, resulting in the formation of a zygote. The zygote's sex is determined by the combination of sex chromosomes it inherits from its parents. If the zygote inherits an X chromosome from the father, it will develop into a female. If it inherits a Y chromosome, it will develop into a male.

The zygote then begins to divide and differentiate into various cell types, eventually forming a fetus. During fetal development, the sex organs begin to form. In males, this includes the testes, penis, and prostate gland. In females, this includes the ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

After birth, sexual development continues throughout childhood and adolescence. This is often referred to as puberty, during which secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development in females and facial hair growth in males, begin to appear.

Related terms

See also

External links

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