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with what we ascribe as being the so-called "gender-specific traits" associated with being "female" at one extreme and "male" on the other, each of us occupying some ill-defined point in between that can change not only depending on the particular trait being examined, but also as our personalities change over time. Such gender-based distinctions are arbitrary and pointless, really.
Biologically, we're all the same for the first two months or so, anyhow. At 8 to 10 weeks, an embryo has neutral gonads with two duct systems (Mullerian and Wolffian). At about the 13th week of development, gonads differentiate in response to the so-called germ cell invasion. If the embryo has a XX (female) chromosomal combination, no hormones are released; Mullerian ducts develop into oviducts (Fallopian tubes), the uterus, and the upper portion of vagina; Wolffian ducts disappear without stimulation from testosterone. If an XY (male) chromosomal combination is present, gonads produce Mullerian duct inhibitor (MDI) which causes Mullerian duct to disappear; gonads produce testosterone which causes Wolffian ducts to develop into sperm-collecting apparatus - the epididymis, the sperm ducts (vas deferens), and the seminal vesicle; conversion of testosterone to dyhydrotestosterone (DHT) causes development of prostate gland.
What does this mean, all things considered? It's scientific proof that boys really do have "cooties" after all, since it's the "germ cell invasion" and the introduction of testosterone that are required to make an embryo "male". Active suppression of Mullerian duct development is also required to make a boy-child; all males start out as females unless the continued development of this already-present anatomy is supressed.
Me, I'm beautiful and sublime, really. I'm undeniably biologically female (as one friend puts it, I have "more curves than God intended to put in one place") with the "full meal deal" when it comes to gender-specific personality traits (it's the best of all worlds, truth be known). I made peace with my non-absolute point on the social characterics "gender continuum" a long time ago; living "inside the lines" is unnecessarily restrictive and boring, IMO.
And, for what it's worth, I've also been known as a causal agent for making post-pubescent men grow chest hair on at least three known occasions. Take that to mean whatever you wish. ;)
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