MadSci Network: Development
Query:

Subject: Can a Human be born a true hermaphrodite?

Date: Sun Feb 13 22:14:41 2000
Posted by Roy Huber
Grade level: undergrad School: SUNY Albany
City: Albany State/Province: NY Country: USA
Area of science: Development
ID: 950501681.Dv
Message:

I have taken college level anat & phys.  I learned that during 
embryonic development the primitive undifferentiated tissues of sex organs 
will either go male or female based on the presence or absense of a gene 
called SRY located on the Y chromosome.  This SRY (Sex-determining region) 
will also stimulate testosterone to be released and further develope the 
sex organs into the male form.  The female sex is like the "default 
setting" Right?  I don't like the term "Hermaphrodite" because it gives 
people the idea that humans can have both sets of genitalia.  Aren't 
"hermaphrodites" just underdeveloped males? I've heard the terms 
"trans-gendered" and "intersexuals" used to describe conditions like these. 
Is is possible for gonads to develope as one teste and one ovary?  If so 
how close to being functional will the gonads be? Do you agree that 
"hermaphodites" is a bad way of describing such cases?  I'm open to 
constructive criticism.  Thanks, this may help to settle a long-lived 
dispute with a friend and I.


Re: Can a Human be born a true hermaphrodite?

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