Reproductive System: Session 1 - Origin of the Sexes

The period between week 1 and 6 of embryonic development where male and female embryos are indistinguishable in appearance, despite their genetic sex (XX or XY).

A longitudinal ridge of intermediate mesoderm within the indifferent embryo, where gonads develop.

Primitive cells that will eventually differentiate into either sperm or eggs, migrating from the yolk sac to the indifferent gonads during weeks 3-4.

The central region of the indifferent gonad, primarily involved in male development.

The outer layer of the indifferent gonad, primarily involved in female development.

A gene on the Y chromosome that encodes for a protein called testes-determining factor (TDF), triggering male development.

The protein produced by the Sry gene, responsible for initiating male development.

Cells within the developing testes that produce testosterone.

Cells within the developing testes that produce Mullerian-inhibiting factor (MIF), a hormone that inhibits development of female reproductive structures.

The main hormone responsible for masculinization, produced by Leydig cells.

A hormone produced by Sertoli cells that inhibits the development of the Mullerian duct, preventing formation of female structures like the uterus and fallopian tubes.

The embryonic structures that will develop into either the female reproductive system or the male reproductive system.

The paired tubes that, in the female, develop into the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and upper third of the vagina.

The paired tubes that, in the male, develop into the epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts, and appendix epididymis.

A small, finger-like projection at the end of the fallopian tube, often considered a vestigial structure.

A small, tube-like structure that runs parallel to the fallopian tube, considered a vestigial structure in females.

A small structure attached to the testis, considered a vestigial remnant of the mesonephric duct.

A small, tube-like structure located near the epididymis, considered a vestigial part of the mesonephric duct.

A small, finger-like structure near the testis, considered a vestigial remnant of the mesonephric duct.

A small, tube-like structure located near the testis, considered a vestigial remnant of the mesonephric tubule.

A small structure near the ovary, considered a vestigial remnant of the mesonephric tubule.

The structure in a male embryo that will develop into the penis.

The folds of tissue in a male embryo that will develop into the ventral side of the penis.

The swellings of tissue in a male embryo that will develop into the scrotum.

The condition in which the testes fail to descend into the scrotum by birth.

The fibrous tissue that guides the descent of the testes and ovaries.

An invagination of peritoneum that accompanies the testes during descent, forming part of the tunica vaginalis.

The fibrous sheath that surrounds the testes.

The gland in males that produces prostate fluid, contributing to semen.

The most potent form of testosterone, which is responsible for prostatic growth.

A condition in which the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis.

A condition in which the urethral opening is located on the upper side of the penis.