The Science of Sexual Development | Episode 14
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The Science of Sexual Development | Episode 14

Main Takeaways

  1. Hormones are released in one area of the body and travel to have effects on the gland and other tissues in the body.
  1. Hormones have direct effects on the brain, body, and spinal cord.
  1. Androgen is a category of hormones, including testosterone.
  1. Chromosomal sex determines the sex of an individual in general, with the XY chromosome being male and XX chromosome being female.
  1. The placenta is an endocrine organ.
  1. Gonadal sex determines the sex of the fetus based on the type of gonads present.
  1. Steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen affect traits such as genitalia and jaw shape.
  1. Hormones have two categories of effects: fast and slow.
  1. Masculinization of the brain is accomplished by estrogen, not testosterone.
  1. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as exposure to atrazine and smoking marijuana during pregnancy, can impact sexual characteristics and child development.