Different Behaviors, Different Brains?

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GENDER & SEXUAL ORIENT-
ATION

A Brief Gendered History

Structure, Hormones, & Something Else?

Individual Variation

Pathology

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Back transsexuality and the BSTc

The BSTc is believed to play an important role in masculine sexual behaviour and in the regulation of gonadotrophin release, as shown by studies in the other animals (go back to this page to look at BSTc comparison images). The research discussed previously may indicate that this nucleus is involved in human sexual or reproductive functions. Gender identity alterations may develop as a result of an altered interaction between the development of the brain and sex hormones... or possibly by the environment and society.

Obviously, the presence or absence of early hormones doesn't completely determine gender identity because some individuals chose transsexuality and many do not. Obviously, culture doesn't completely determine gender identity or else there would be even fewer numbers of people choosing transsexuality and even homosexual lifestyles. Thus, we must conclude that individuals' identity and behavior are affected by a combination of these factors, and maybe even something else!

Hormones and culture both contribute to behavior... and maybe there is something else?



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