Dictionary > Klinefelter syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome

Definition
noun
A genetic condition in a male characterized by the presence of at least one extra X chromosome
Supplement
In humans, the sex chromosomes are the X chromosome and the Y chromosome. The basis of sex determination in humans is on the pair of sex chromosomes present in an individual. For instance, the presence of two X chromosomes characterizes a female whereas the presence of one X chromosome and one Y chromosome is a characteristic of a male. There are instances though when certain individuals have a different set of chromosomal composition. One of them is an individual with XXY chromosomes. This genetic condition is referred to as Klinefelter syndrome.
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of at least one extra X chromosome in males. The condition may not be detected early on since most of the symptoms become noticeable at puberty. Males with this condition have less body hair, weaker muscles, greater height, enlarged breasts, broader hips, and small testes. Many of these symptoms are associated with less testosterone produced in males with Klinefelter syndrome than those in males without the extra X chromosome.
The condition is named after Harry Klinefelter, an American rheumatologist and endocrinologist, and the first to identify this condition in 1940.
Abbreviation/Acronym:

  • KS

Also called:

  • Klinefelter’s syndrome
  • Klinefelter-Reifenstein-Albright syndrome
  • XXY syndrome
  • 47, XXY syndrome
  • See also:


    You will also like...

    Human Nervous System
    The Human Nervous System

    The nervous system is essentially a biological information highway. This tutorial gives an overview of the nervous syste..

    kinesin motor proteins transporting molecules across microtubules
    Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes

    Molecules move within the cell or from one cell to another through different strategies. Transport may be in the form of..

    Thermographic image of face and neck
    Regulation of Organic Metabolism, Growth and Energy Balance

    The human body is capable of regulating growth and energy balance through various feedback mechanisms. Get to know the e..

    Structural depiction of catalase, an enzyme
    Protein Activity and Cellular Metabolism

    Proteins have a crucial role in various biological activities. Get to know how proteins are able to perform as enzymes, ..

    Human gastrointestinal tract
    Human Biology – Food and Digestion

    This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good d..

    Schematic diagram of DNA replication
    DNA Structure & DNA Replication

    DNA is a double helix structure comprised of nucleotides. A nucleotide, in turn, is made up of phosphate molecule, deoxy..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics