The Neurobiology of Sex Differences, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Lainie M. Mueller
Dr. Brett A. Berke, Faculty Mentor

This interdisciplinary review draws from genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, neurobiology, psychology, and health science to examine the neurobiological basis of selected sex differences, gender identities, and sexual orientations. We surveyed literature using key words related to neurobiology, sex determination, hormone and neurosteroid signaling, and structural/functional brain variation. We further highlight sex differences in emotional and visual/spatial processing, memory, and depression. This body of literature suggests the emergence of diverse neural phenotypes as well as a continuum of identities and behaviors stemming from sexual mosaicism of the brain. Advancing this field will require expanding the use of animal models to elucidate mechanisms underlying sex differences, allowing us as society to better conceptualize variations in sex and gender. Additionally, establishing both sex and gender as variable, reflecting the heterogeneity of brain development, is crucial for producing valid, generalizable human research and improving health outcomes of LGBTQ+ populations.

Keywords: Neurobiology, Sex, Gender, Identity, Behavior, Depression, Sex differences

Topic(s):Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone
Biology
Women's and Gender Studies

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA