2 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 16

or socially related behaviors, but rather it is based on genetic temperament and the presence of androgens (Barriga 2001). In addition, researchers now find that it is also the cognitive processing abilities and the moral cognition of an individual that predicts social behaviors.

One study (Heino & Meyer-Bahlburg 2006) looked at newborns with intersex gender assignment issues and androgen deficiencies. The study shined light on the controversy of assigning gender to a newborn before examining their gender related behavior. Some researchers have looked at testing for specific androgenization in the brain to help determine gender-identity, but it is very controversial versus looking for specific genital clues to determining gender. This, however, has proved to be very problematic as it is often premature in nature and does not give time for gender related behaviors to become evident as the child grows. Heino ad Meyer-Bahlberg (2006) cite that it is the gender related behaviors that manifest themselves based on brain hormonal balance that will tell the tale of gender, and not external.

Gender Differences in Brain Function What Does the Research Show
Scientists now believe that it is the X gene in the female brain that helps determine how females respond to things when compared to men (Marano 2000). The way the XY gene is made up in the brain can help explain specific behaviors amongst men and women. For example, the dominant X gene (coming form mom or dad) can inhibit or pronounce genetic volume (genomic imprinting of the chromosome) (Marano 2000).Depending on the whether the dominant gene is from the female or the male parent, it effects everything from motivation to addictive behaviors. In addition, Marano (2000) cites that "XY makeup also boosts the density of vasopressin fibers in the brain. Vasopressin is a hormone that both abets and minimizes sex differences; in some circuits it fosters parental behavior in males; in others it may spur aggression" (pg. 2).

In terms of brain size and volume in the male and female brain, studies have shown that women have a larger amount of gray matter in their brain makeup than do males (Marano 2000). This gray matter consists of groups of nerve cells and dendrites and neurons, with the female brain being able to process more information at one time as well as being able to think about more things at one time (multi-task). By contrast, male brains are generally larger than the female brain, with the brain having a makeup of

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• ...
• 16
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The anatomy of the brain?
We want to hear your view. Write now!