ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Phlebotomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

In humans, the sex of a fetus is determined by the combination of sex chromosomes inherited from the parents. The presence of an XY pair of chromosomes signifies that the fetus will develop as a male. The Y chromosome carries specific genes that influence male sexual development and differentiation, particularly the SRY gene, which triggers the formation of male reproductive structures.

Typically, a fetus with two X chromosomes would develop as female, while variations that include both X and Y chromosomes can lead to intersex conditions or atypical development, but an XY configuration predominantly leads to male development. This understanding of genetic sex determination is a foundational concept in genetics and human development, highlighting the significance of the Y chromosome in defining male characteristics.