The primary biological difference between a boy and a girl lies in their sex organs and the hormones they produce.
Gonads and Sex Hormones
The key to differentiating boys and girls lies in the type of gonads they possess. Gonads are glands that produce sex hormones. There are two main types of gonads:
- Testes: Most boys have testes.
- Ovaries: Most girls have ovaries.
| Feature | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Gonads | Testes | Ovaries |
| Primary Hormones | Androgens | Estrogens and Progesterone |
Hormonal Differences
-
Androgens: Testes produce hormones called androgens. These hormones play a crucial role in developing and maintaining male characteristics.
-
Estrogens and Progesterone: Ovaries produce hormones, primarily estrogens and progesterone, which are essential for developing and maintaining female characteristics.
In summary, the presence of testes and the production of androgens are primary indicators of biological sex in boys. The presence of ovaries and the production of estrogens and progesterone are primary indicators of biological sex in girls. These hormones and reproductive organs define the most basic biological distinction between boys and girls.
