Sexual development
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
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sexual development
- Wikipedia's article - Sexual development
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