Intersex states are variations from normal sex.Variations from normal sex are due to defective development of the single mass of cells fom which the sex organs of both sexes are derived.

This may result in:

(1)the presence of certain male and female structures in the same individual(intersex state),OR

(2)imperfect identification of external genitalia,viz

Small penis resembling a clitoris,enlarged clitoris resembling a penis,bifid scrotum resembling labia majora,or fused labia majora resembling a scrotum.

Intersex states are conditions in which male and female characters,e.g gonads,physical form and sexual behavior co-exist in varying proportions in the same individual affecting one in every 2,000 births. They are classified into four groups, viz.,

• Gonadal agenesis,
• Gonadal dysgenesis,
• True hermaophroditism,and
• pseudohermaphroditism.

There are male pseudohermaphrodites(genetically male but abnormal external sex organs)and female pseudohermaphrodites(genetically female but abnormal external sex organs that look like a penis).

Gonadal agenesis is the condition in which the sexual organs (testes or ovaries)of an individual have never developed.This abnormality is determined very early in fetal life.These cases are chromatin negative.

Gonadal dysgensis is the condition in which the external structures are present but the testes or ovaries fail to develop at puberty.

The most important examples of such condition are:(1)Klinefelter syndrome in the male & (2)Turner syndrome in the female.

In the Klinefelter syndrome,the boy grows and develops normally initially but puberty is delayed.On examination,one or more of the three classical features become apparent which include the testicles are small and firm in cosistency,gynaecomastia may develop, and there maybe signs of eunuchoidism such as long arms and legs,scanty pubic and axillary hair,and poor or no bread growth.Nuclear sexing indicates that he is chromatin positive like a female and his sex chromosome pattern is XXY(47 chromosomes).This individual is naturally sterile and cann't procreate.

The Turner syndrome is characterized by three principle features that are:sexual infantalism,short stature and congenitla anomalies,e,g webbing of neck,cubitus valgus,coarctation of aorta,color blindness,renal abnormalities and osteoporosis.Sexual infantilism is manifested by primay amenorrhoea,and consequent sterility;lack of breast development with widely spaced nipples and hypoplastic areola;scanty pubic hair;infantile external genitalia,uterus and fallopian tubes.Nuclear sexing indicates that she is chromatin negative like a male and hers sex chromosome pattern is XO(45 chromosomes).She is naturally sterile and cann't bear a child.

True hermaphroditism is a rare condition also called double sex.Individuals with this condition may have external genitalia of both sexes and the internal genitals may consist of both ovaries and testes or ovotestes.The nuclear sex is usually female but maybe male.Hypospadias,cryptorchidism,and inguinal hernia are frequent findings in such cases.