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Re: sexual determination in the fetus

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 25 Jun 1997 20:54:15 -0500 (CDT)

Hi Jenny,

At Mon, 23 Jun 1997, Jenny wrote: >
>My question is:
>When the fetus is developing, does it start out asexual or with female
>genitals and organs?

A fetus starts out male or female, whatever it is. This occurs at conception. The gonads (testes or ovaries) are there early on. The external manifestations of gender are the same til the second trimester when "differentiation" occurs.

>I'm also wondering why males have
>nipples if they aren't useful, is this because of starting out female?

To quote my 17 year old son, "No clue" about the nipples. 

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
OBGYN.net U.S. Representative, New York
Great Neck, New York
http://www.obgyn.net/states/bios/marchbein.htm
http://www.obgyn.net/women/heroes/harveym.htm


*Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purpose only.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options.



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