Biological Differences: Hormones & Nervous System

A hormonal disorder caused by excessive prenatal androgen production from the adrenal glands.

A condition in XY males where body cells are insensitive to androgens, leading to the development of female physical characteristics.

A class of male sex hormones.

Brain differences between males and females due to prenatal exposure to hormones like testosterone (androgen).

Brain structure connecting to the pituitary gland and playing a role in reproductive behavior.

Males typically have larger brains than females.

Developmental pathway leading to formation of female reproductive organs.

Developmental pathway leading to the formation of male reproductive organs.

Male rats have a larger hypothalamus compared to females, and this size difference is influenced by hormones.

Men are often associated with enhanced left-brain functions (logic, analysis), while women are linked to stronger right-brain functions (imagination, intuition).

Studies suggest women generally show better recall of words and can better identify words starting with specific letters.

The process of self-identification, and learning expected roles for males and females defined by their societies.

The debate of the relative contributions of hereditary (nature) and environmental (nurture) influences on development. Both are crucial and interact

Traits or characteristics passed down genetically from parents to offspring.

Aspects of surroundings and experiences that affect development and expression of traits.

Expected or societal norms regarding the behaviors and characteristics of males and females.

This approach emphasizes how biological processes (chromosomes and hormones) influence gender differences.

The 23rd pair of human chromosomes. XX for females, XY for males.

The physical development of a fetus during pregnancy.

Differences in hormones (like testosterone and estrogen) impact the development of physical sex characteristics and possibly behaviors.