Review article

Role of hormones and genes in the development of sex dimorphism of the brain

Marija Heffer-Lauc
Ivana Škrlec
Silvija Pušeljić
Jasenka Wagner
Barbara Viljetić
Katarina Vajn

Abstract

Functional differences between male and female nervous system reflect on its structure. Specific regions of the nervous system that differ between genders are called sexually dimorphic structures. Sexually dimorphic nuclei of hypothalamus are involved in the control of hypothalamic - pituitary - gonadal axis, sexually - related behaviour, the choice of sexual partner and gender identity i.e. the person's own sense of identification as male or female. Both, genes and hormones influence the differentiation of sexually dimorphic structures. Androgens, estrogens and progesterone, each in their own time period, can induce the masculinization, feminization or defeminization of these structures. After the critical developmental period had passed, not even severe abnormalities in hormonal status in adults will change person's gender identity or their sexual orientation.

Keywords

Sex dimorphism; Brain; Gender identity; Sexual orientation

Hrčak ID:

191454

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/191454

Publication date:

1.12.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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