sexually dimorphic nucleus


A cluster of cells in the preoptic area (SDN:POA) of the hypothalamus, so named as the cluster is linked to sexual behaviour in animals; it is smaller in females than males

sexually dimorphic nucleus

A central nervous system nucleus that has different characteristics (e.g., size or number of cells) in males than in females. One well-studied sexually dimorphic nucleus is found in the preoptic region of the hypothalamus. See also: nucleus