Individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome present with which type of external features?

• A. Male external features
• B. Ambiguous genitalia
• C. Female external features
• D. Neither

Answer: (C)

Individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) typically present with female external features despite having a genetically male (XY) chromosomal background. This condition arises from mutations in the androgen receptor gene, which render the body's cells unresponsive to androgens, the hormones responsible for male physical traits.

As a result of this insensitivity, individuals with AIS develop female external genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development at puberty, even though they have internal male structures like testes that do not descend. This reflects a complex interaction between genetics and hormonal signaling, leading to the development of female characteristics in the presence of male chromosomes. Thus, the external phenotype is typically female, making this answer correct in the context of understanding AIS.