Embryonic Development and Sex Differentiation

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from embryonic development, gonadal differentiation, and reproductive system development.

Embryonic Development

The process through which an embryo forms and develops, including the differentiation of tissues and organs.

Gonadal Differentiation

The development of gonads (testes or ovaries) that ultimately determines sexual phenotype.

Sry Gene

A gene on the Y chromosome that initiates testis formation and male sex differentiation.

Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs)

The precursors to gametes, generated early in embryo development and migrate to gonads.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

A hormone secreted by Sertoli cells that prevents the development of female reproductive structures.

Phenotypic Sex

The physical expression of sexual characteristics, which may not always match genetic or gonadal sex.

Testis Descent

The process where testes move from the abdomen into the scrotum during development.

Freemartinism

A condition in female calves that are twin to a male, where the female develops reproductive tract abnormalities due to hormone exposure.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)

A genetic condition where an individual with XY chromosomes develops female characteristics due to the body's inability to respond to androgens.

Cryptorchidism

A condition characterized by undescended testes, often seen in males.

Guevodoces

A condition in which individuals are genetically male (46 XY) but have female external genitalia due to a 5a-reductase deficiency.

Müllerian Duct

The duct system that develops into female reproductive structures in the absence of AMH.

Sertoli Cells

Cells in the testes that support and nourish developing sperm cells and produce AMH.

Leydig Cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone and promote the development of male characteristics.

Somatic Cells

Any cells of the body except reproductive cells (germ cells); includes tissues such as skin, liver, and blood.

Gonad

An organ that produces gametes; includes ovaries in females and testes in males.

Mesonephric Duct

The duct system that develops into male reproductive structures in the presence of testosterone.

Transcription Factor

A protein that regulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences.

Genetic Sex

The chromosomal constitution (XX for female, XY for male) that determines sex.