Sexual Differentiation and Development

Sexual differentiation and development refer to the biological processes that determine the physical and functional characteristics of male and female bodies. This begins during pregnancy, influenced primarily by sex chromosomes (XX for females, XY for males) and hormones. In the early stages, all embryos follow a similar blueprint, but the presence of certain hormones, like testosterone in males, drives the development of male reproductive structures, while the absence of these hormones tends to result in female structures. This complex interplay of genetics and hormones shapes not only the anatomy but can also influence behaviors and neurological differences related to sex.