Final answer:
True, during the early stages of prenatal development, male and female fetuses have identical genitalia which develop from the same tissues. Sexual differentiation generally begins around weeks 9 to 12, and by the end of the first trimester, genital differences can be identified by ultrasound.
Step-by-step explanation:
uTrue: During early prenatal development, male and female fetuses have identical genitalia, which develop from the same embryonic tissues. Sexual differentiation does not begin until the fetal period, typically around weeks 9-12.
Detailed sexual differentiation of fetuses is a fascinating process. Initially, both male and female fetuses possess the same bipotential gonads, which can develop into either testes or ovaries depending on the genetic and hormonal influences at play. During this period, males and females are morphologically indistinguishable. The different genital structures emerge from these initial identical tissues, with male differentiation stimulated by genes on the Y chromosome, leading to the secretion of testosterone. This hormone prompts the reproductive organs to develop into male organs, whereas in the absence of testosterone, organs develop into female ones. By the end of the first trimester, usually around week 12, the external genitals of male and female fetuses are differentiated enough to be distinguishable via ultrasound.
Furthermore, throghout most of gestational time, the testes in male fetuses are located within the abdomen, gradually descending to the scrotum as the fetus matures. Understanding these developmental processes is crucial for comprehending human reproductive biology.