Pelvic Embryology

Which gendered structures arise from the mesonephric (Wolffian) ducts?

Male structures:

• Rete testes

• Efferent ductules

• Epididymis

• Ductus/vas deferens

• Seminal vesicles

• Ejaulatory ducts

Which gendered structures arise from the paramesonephric (Mullerian) ducts?

• Forms female structures

  • Uterus

  • Uterine (fallopian) tubes

  • Cervix

  • Part of the vaginal canal (superior 2/3rds)

• Ovaries drop into pelvis

• In males, these ducts degenerate, leaving a tiny vestigial remnant (prostatic utricle)

What does the gubernaculum become in females?

Ovarian ligament & round ligament of uterus which attaches to the labia majora

Where do ovaries and testes originate from?

Indifferent gonad located on the posterior abdominal wall near the mesonnephros

What is hypospadiasis?

Small or large opening where urine can drip out.

This structure does not fold up and creates the vaginal vestibule

Urogenital folds

Within the vaginal vestibule is this structure located anteriorly

External urethral orifice

Within the vaginal vestibule is this structure located posterior

Perineal raphe

What structures are homologous between the male and female external genitalia?

• Primordial phallus

• Labioscrotal swelling

• Urogenital folds

What structures arise from the genital tubercle/phallus in females?

Clitoris:

• Glas clitoridis

• Corpora cavernosa clitordis

• Bulb of the vestibule

What structures arise from the genital tubercle/phallus in males?

Penis:

• Glans penis (and navicular fossa)

• Corpora cavernosum penis

• Corpus spongiosum penis

What structures arise from the Urogenital Folds in females?

1. Labia minora

2. Perineal raphe

3. Perineal tissue (and external anal sphincter)

What structures arise from the genital tubercle/phallus in males?

1. Ventral aspect of penis

2. Most of the penile urethra

3. Perineal raphe

4. Perianal tissue (and external sphincter)

What structures arise from the Labioscrotal Folds in females?

Labia majora

What structures arise from the Labioscrotal Folds in males?

Scrotum

What structures arise from the Indifferent Gonad in females?

1. Ovary: follicles from secondary sex cords in cortex

2. Vestigial: rete ovarii in medulla

What structures arise from the Indifferent Gonad in males?

1. Testis: semineferous tubules from primary sex cords

2. Rete testis in medulla

What structures arise from the Gubernaculum in males?

Gubernaculum testis