The prenatal development of the external male genitalia requires the presence of
A) alpha-feto protein.
B) melatonin.
C) estradiol.
D) dihydrotestosterone.
E) anti-Müllerian hormone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prenatal development of the external male genitalia requires the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is derived from testosterone by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is responsible for the differentiation of the genital tubercle into the penis and the urogenital fold into the scrotum. The other choices, alpha-feto protein, melatonin, estradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone, are not involved in the development of the external male genitalia.

The Prenatal Development of the External Male Genitalia Requires the Presence