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Microdissection of Mouse Brain into Functionally and Anatomically Different Regions
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Sex differences in the brain: the relation between structure and function.

Geert J de Vries1, Per Södersten

  • 1Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, Tobin Hall, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 9333, USA. devries@cns.umass.edu

Hormones and Behavior
|May 19, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The organizational hypothesis explains sex differences in brain and behavior due to early hormone exposure. However, overstating these differences hinders understanding their relationship.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • The organizational hypothesis, proposed 50 years ago, links early gonadal hormone exposure to sex differences in brain structure and behavior.
  • Despite numerous observed sex differences, the precise relationship between brain structure and behavioral outcomes remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify significant roadblocks in understanding the link between sex differences in brain structure and behavior.
  • To argue that current interpretations of sex differences may be hindering scientific progress.

Main Methods:

  • This paper presents a critical review and theoretical argument.
  • It analyzes the interpretation of existing research on sex differences in the brain and behavior.

Main Results:

  • Overstating the magnitude and constancy of behavioral sex differences is a major issue.
  • Narrowly interpreting the functional consequences of structural sex differences also impedes progress.

Conclusions:

  • Revising the interpretation of sex differences in behavior and brain function is crucial.
  • A more nuanced understanding is needed to advance research in this field.