Sex determination in mammals

Question 1

What is sexual dimorphism?

Answer 1

Systematic differences in form between individuals of different sexes of 1 species.

Question 2

What is Primary sex determination?

Answer 2

Determination of the gonads
7 weeks post fertilisation in humans
Genetically determined - PRESENCE OR NOT OF TESTIS DETERMINING FACTOR
Until 7 weeks gonads bipotential - develop week 4
BOTH WOLFFIAN + MULLERIAN DUCTS PRESENTS

Question 3

What is secondary (Phenotypic) sex determination?

Answer 3

Development of other sexual characteristics - HORMONAL CONTROL
Occurs in organogenesis and puberty

Question 4

Where do gonads develop from?

Answer 4

The genital ridge mesoderm adjacent to the mesonephros

Question 5

Discuss the male pathway in sex determination

Answer 5

Wolffian ducts become Vas Deferens

Testis required for male, produces testosterone supporting growth of male structures+ other hormones supressing female development

Question 6

What are the male somatic cells?

Answer 6

SERTOLI

LEYDIG

Question 7

What are the the female somatic cells?

Answer 7

Granulosa cells

Thecal cells