10 Questions
What happens to the primordial germ cells in the development of the male gonad?
They arrive at the genital ridge and epithelium of the genital ridge proliferate and form primitive sex cords.
What is the function of Sertoli cells in the testis?
They support and nurture the developing germ cells.
When do the interstitial cells of Leydig start producing testosterone?
At the 8th week of gestation.
What is the fate of the paramesonephric duct in the male?
It degenerates.
What forms the efferent ductules of the testis?
Some of the mesonephric tubules (epigenital tubules) that connect to the rete testis.
What is the outcome of the mesonephric duct in the male?
It forms the epididymis, ductus deferens, and seminal vesicle.
What is the gubernaculum involved in?
The descent of the testes.
What is the name of the hormone that influences the development of the Wolffian duct?
Testosterone.
What is the outcome of the Wolffian duct in the female?
It degenerates.
What is the congenital abnormality that occurs when the testes fail to descend?
Cryptorchidism.
Study Notes
Descent of the Testes
- By 33rd week, the testes descend into the scrotum through the inguinal canal
- The gubernaculum guides the testes during descent
- The processus vaginalis is an extension of the peritoneal cavity that connects to the scrotum
- If the processus vaginalis persists, it can lead to congenital inguinal hernia or hydrocele
Cryptorchidism
- Failure of the testes to descend to the scrotum, either unilateral or bilateral
- Occurs in up to 30% of premature and 3-4% of term male babies
- Descent may complete postnatally in the first year, but failure to descend can result in sterility
Development of the Female Genital System
- The ovaries descend to the true pelvis along a ligamentous cord called the gubernaculum
- The uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina develop from the paramesonephric ducts
- The lower part of the vagina develops from the urogenital sinus
- The sinovaginal bulbs grow out from the urogenital sinus and form the vaginal plate
- Canalization of the vaginal plate is completed by the 5th month
- The hymen forms as a result of the lumen of the vagina remaining separated from the urogenital sinus
Congenital Anomalies
- Septate vagina can result from a defect in the fusion of paramesonephric ducts
- A defect in the fusion of sinovaginal bulbs can lead to congenital anomalies of the vagina
Development of the Testes
- Primordial germ cells arrive at the genital ridge and proliferate to form primitive sex cords
- In males, the primitive sex cords penetrate into the medulla and form testis cords
- The testis cords break up and form the rete testis
- The tunica albuginea separates the testis cords from the surface epithelium
- Canalization of the testis cords occurs at puberty
- The testis cords consist of primitive germ cells and sustentacular cells of Sertoli
- Sertoli cells are derived from the surface epithelium of the gland
- Interstitial cells of Leydig are derived from the mesenchyme of the gonadal ridge and produce testosterone at 8th week of gestation
Development of the Male Reproductive System
- Under the influence of testosterone and antimüllerian hormone, the paramesonephric ducts degenerate
- The mesonephric ducts elongate and convolute to form the epididymis
- The efferent ductules connect to the rete testis and form the epididymis
- The paragenital tubules form the paradidymis
- The mesonephric ducts form the ductus deferens and seminal vesicle
Learn about the descent of testes into the scrotum, gubernaculum's role, and the processus vaginalis. Understand the implications of cryptorchidism, a condition where testes fail to descend.
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