When does differentiation of sex organs occur after conception?

Get ready for your EPPP Physiology Exam with our interactive quizzes and comprehensive study materials. Enhance your understanding of key topics and improve your confidence with detailed explanations and helpful hints.

Differentiation of sex organs occurs between 6 to 8 weeks of gestation, making this the correct choice. This developmental phase is crucial because it is during this time that the presence of specific sex chromosomes influences the formation of male or female reproductive structures.

In males, the presence of the Y chromosome leads to the production of testosterone, which promotes the development of structures such as the testes and the male genitalia. Conversely, in the absence of the Y chromosome (i.e., in females), the lack of male hormones allows for the development of female reproductive structures, such as the ovaries and female genitalia.

Understanding this timing is important in the study of human development, particularly in terms of normal sexual differentiation and the impact of any abnormalities that may arise during this critical window. Factors influencing outcomes such as congenital disorders can also be better understood with this knowledge of the developmental timeline.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy