Clitorophallus

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Clitorophallus is a term used in anatomy and embryology to describe the undifferentiated genital tubercle in the early stages of fetal development. This structure eventually differentiates into either the clitoris in females or the penis in males, depending on the presence of certain hormones and genetic factors.

Development

During the early stages of embryonic development, the genital tubercle appears as a small, undifferentiated structure. This stage is common to both male and female embryos. The differentiation of the clitorophallus into either the clitoris or the penis is influenced by the presence of androgens, particularly testosterone. In the presence of these hormones, the clitorophallus elongates and develops into a penis. In their absence, it develops into a clitoris.

Hormonal Influence

The differentiation process is primarily driven by the sex-determining region Y protein (SRY) gene located on the Y chromosome. This gene triggers the development of the testes in male embryos, which then produce testosterone. The hormone binds to receptors in the genital tubercle, promoting its growth into a penis. In female embryos, the absence of significant levels of testosterone results in the development of the clitoris.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the development of the clitorophallus can lead to various intersex conditions. For example, androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) occurs when an individual who is genetically male (46,XY) is unable to respond to androgens, leading to the development of female external genitalia despite the presence of testes. Another condition, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), can cause genetic females (46,XX) to be exposed to high levels of androgens, resulting in the masculinization of the external genitalia.

Related Topics

• Sexual differentiation
• Genital tubercle
• Intersex
• Androgen insensitivity syndrome
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Embryonic development

See Also

• Clitoris
• Penis
• Testosterone
• SRY gene