INTERSEX & SEX

DETERMINATION
◦Intersex
Intermingling of characters of both sexes in varying
degrees , including physical form, reproductive organs
and sexual behaviour.
From defect in embryonic development.
1. Gonadal Agenesis
Testes/Ovaries never developed.
Nuclear sex is negative.
2. Gonadal Dysgenesis

Usually diagnosed when

there is delayed onset
of puberty, behavioural
disorders or mental
retardation.
Hypergonadotropinism,
azoospermia, testicular
atrophy with hyalization
of seminiferous tubules.
Oedema of dorsum of hand,loose skin at nape of neck, short stature and low
birth weight , pigmented naevi, low set ear, webbed neck,etc. • Most common sex
chromosome
abnormality of
females. Its incidence
is about 1:2500,
• Anatomical structure
is female, while
nuclear sexing is male.
• Characterised by
primary amenhorrhea,
sterility, lack of
development of
primary and secondary
sexual characteristics
3.True Hermaphroditism
Rare condition where an ovary and testicle or two
ovotestis are present with external genitalia of both sexes.
Gonad may be abdominal, inguinal or labio scrotal.
Phallus may be penile or clitoral
Neither gonad is completely functional
4. Pseudo-hermaphroditism
Gonadal tissue of one sex is seen internally but external
appearance is of the opposite sex.
◦Male hermaphroditism- Nuclear sex is XY
Sexual characters deviate to female form, because of testicular
feminisation.
Primary amenorrhoea, female external genitalia, normal size
breasts, scany pubic and axillary hair.
5-a reductase deficiency occurs.
◦Female hermaphroditism
Nuclear sex is XX, but sexual characteristics are of male
type, due to adrenal hyperplasia.
21 hydroxylase deficiency is most common.
Sex Determination using bones
Skull
Supra Orbital Ridge
Supra orbital ridge
Glabella
Zygomatic arch
Mastoid process
External occipital protruberance
Mandible
Chin – anterior mandible
Ramus
Palate
Sciatic notch
Female pelvis – Subpubic concavity
Subpubic Angle
Female pelvis –Ventral arc
Female pelvis – Ischiopubic ramus
Male pelvis
Sacrum
Femur
Male Female
Head Larger and forms Smaller and forms
about two-thirds of less than two-thirds
a sphere. of a sphere.
Vertical diameter Vertical diameter
more than 47mm. less than 47mm.
Neck Obtuse angle with Less obtuse angle
the shaft about 125
degrees.
Bicondylar Width
•Males-74-89 mm
•Females- 64-76 mm
 Sternum
Male Female
General Longer and narrower Shorter and wider
Sternum Body longer and more than 2x the Shorter and less than 2x the length
length of the manubrium. of the manubrium.
Length more than 149mm Length less than 149mm
(Ashley’s rule)

Sternal Index 46.2 54.3

(Length of manubrium/length of
body) x 100
Thank You!