Distance along the perineum between the anus and the base of the vagina or penis, or in the fetus between the anus and the base of the genital tubercle.
Notes: - The distance is relatively longer in males than females. This in part relates to dihydrotestosterone levels, and abnormal distances may indicate birth defects, feminization in males, etc.
- In some species where gender is not obvious at birth, it can be used for a tentative determination of the sex of the neonate.
Source:
PAC, 2016, 88, 713. 'Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 723 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-1202)