Self-Assessment Questions

5. Gonadal development in the embryo

• Once the undifferentiated gonad develops into ovaries or testes, what is the primary difference between further sexual differentiation in males and females?

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  Correct answer:
  In males, the remainder of sexual differentiation depends solely upon secretory products of the testes. If these are not present, a completely female phenotype will result. While the ovary does secrete hormones, these secretions do not contribute significantly to development of the female genitalia.