Sexual dimorphism is inseparably connected with the human sex. This phenomenon in humans is reflected in morphological, physiological and mental diversity, both in women and in men.
It should also be remembered that, unlike animals, the role of smell and hearing decreased in humans, while the function of sight decreased, which was reflected in the manifestations of sexual dimorphism in humans.
Sexual dimorphism is genetically conditioned
Sexual dimorphism is genetically conditioned by the diversity of sex chromosomes (heterochromosomes). In the newly formed and developing zygote, we can find, respectively, XX chromosomes - conditioning the female sex or XY, which are responsible for the male sex. Expression of sex chromosomal genes will be responsible for creating a specific sensitivity of developing tissues, organs and systems to the effects of sex hormones (estrogens in the case of female sex and testosterone in the case of male sex).
Explanation of terms:
Dymorfizm - this term is termed bifidiation of organisms. It manifests itself in distinct differences both in the construction and in the behavior of two opposite sex organisms.
Heterochromosomes are called sex chromosomes. In the case of a woman, they are marked as XX, and as XY for a man. Other chromosomes (except genital) are called autosomes. The names come from the shape of chromosomes that occur in pairs, in the case of autosomes their shape is the same, while in the case of heterochromosomes (in a man), it differs.
zygote - a cell formed after combining two germ cells: a sperm and an egg cell. It is a cell that, as a result of divisions, will provide cellular mass for a developing, new organism.
Gene expression- this is the degree to which a particular gene is revealed in the course of individual development. Thus, the gene expression process reveals the characteristics that are encoded by specific genes, eg a person will have a certain height or weight.
Tissue- a set of cells characterized by the same histological structure, basic biochemical transformations and performing the same functions (eg muscle tissue, nervous tissue, bone tissue).
The organ is made of various tissues and has full functions in the body. An example of an organ can be the stomach, kidneys, testes, ovaries, etc.
Organ system - a set of several organs connected with each other in a specific way and performing specific functions in the body. An example of a system may be e.g. the urogenital, nervous, digestive or circulatory system.
Sex hormones- chemical substances that are produced, among others in the glands. They are responsible for directing the development of the body, the occurrence of sexual dimorphism and the formation of specific sexual characteristics. Male sex hormones are so-called androgens, their representative is testosterone produced in the testes. In contrast, female sex hormones are so-called estrogens; among them, estradiol or progesterone may be mentioned - produced in the female glands, i.e. in the ovaries.
The slogans were prepared on the basis of: Zbigniew Lew-Starowicz. Love and sex. Encyclopedic dictionary. Wroclaw 1999
