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Freudenrich, Ph.D., Craig. "How Sex Works." 16 April 2001. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-reproduction.htm> 17 May 2008.
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Development of Sex Organs
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Development of Sex Organs
When we first develop, we have two sets of organs: one that can develop into the female sex organs (Mullerian duct) and one that can develop into the male sex organs (Wolffian ducts). Which sex organs develop depends on the presence of the male hormone testosterone (in humans, the default sex is female):- If the embryo is a male (XY chromosomes), then testosterone will stimulate the Wolffian duct to develop male sex organs, and the Mullerian duct will degrade.
- If the embryo is female (XX), then no testosterone is made. The Wolffian duct will degrade, and the Mullerian duct will develop into female sex organs. The female clitoris is the remnants of the Wolffian duct.
- If the embryo is a male (XY), but there is a defect such that no testosterone is made, then the Wolffian duct will degrade, and the Mullerian duct will develop into non-functional female sex organs.
Now, let's take a look at some other organs that are important to human sexual function.
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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this How Stuff Works article:
Freudenrich, Ph.D., Craig. "How Sex Works." 16 April 2001. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-reproduction.htm> 17 May 2008.
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