Sex
Sex
Sex (/sɛks/), from the Latin sexus meaning division or difference, is a biological and physiological characteristic that distinguishes male and female organisms due to their reproductive functions.
Etymology
The term sex is derived from the Latin word sexus, which translates to "state of being either male or female," or more broadly, "the quality of being male or female."
Definition
Sex is typically determined by anatomy, which includes genitalia and genetic makeup. In most species, including humans, sex is determined by chromosomes. Females typically have two of the same kind of sex chromosome (XX), and are called the homogametic sex. Males typically have two distinct sex chromosomes (XY), and are called the heterogametic sex.
Related Terms
- Sexual reproduction: A type of reproduction that involves the combination of genetic material from two individuals.
- Sexual dimorphism: The condition where the two sexes of the same species exhibit different characteristics beyond the differences in their sexual organs.
- Sexual orientation: An enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes.
- Gender: The range of characteristics pertaining to, and differentiating between, masculinity and femininity.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sex
- Wikipedia's article - Sex
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