Definition of Syndrome, complete androgen insensitivity
Syndrome, complete androgen insensitivity: A genetic disorder that makes XY fetuses insensitive (unresponsive) to androgens (male hormones). Instead, they are born looking externally like normal girls. Internally there is a short blind-pouch vagina and no uterus, Fallopian tubes, or ovaries. There are testes in the abdomen or the inguinal canal. The complete androgen insensitivity syndrome is usually detected at puberty when a girl should but does not begin to menstrate. The gene for the syndrome is on the X chromosome and codes for the androgen receptor (also called the dihydrotestosterone receptor). There are also partial androgen insensitivity syndrome.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14427
Last Editorial Review: 4/20/2011
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