Development of the genital ducts and external genitalia in the early human embryo.
Summary of "Development of the genital ducts and external genitalia in the early human embryo."
The course of development of the human genital tract is undifferentiated to the 9th week of development. At this time two symmetrical paired ducts known as the mesonephric (MD) and paramesonephric ducts (PMD) are present, which together with the urogenital sinus provide the tissue sources for internal and external genital development. Normal differentiation of the bipotential external genitalia and reproductive ducts are dependent upon the presence or absence of certain hormones. Masculinization of the internal and external genitalia during fetal development depends on the existence of two discrete testicular hormones. Testosterone secreted from Leydig cells induces the differentiation of the mesonephric ducts into the epididymis, vasa deferentia and seminal vesicles, whereas anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) produced by Sertoli cells induces the regression of the paramesonephric ducts. The absence of AMH action in early fetal life results in the formation of the fallopian tubes, uterus and upper third of the vagina. In some target tissues, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for the masculinization of the urogenital sinus and external genitalia.
Reproductive Medicine Unit, St. Mary's Hospital Manchester, UK.
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20846260
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01272.x
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Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
A condition of sexual ambiguity in which the individual (pseudohermaphrodite) possesses gonadal tissue of one SEX but exhibits external PHENOTYPE of the opposite sex. Female pseudohermaphroditism is an individual with XX karyotype, normal development of OVARIES and internal reproductive tract, but with ambiguous or virilized external GENITALIA. Male pseudohermaphroditism is characterized by the presence of a Y CHROMOSOME and TESTES, but the genital tract and external genitalia are ambiguous or completely female.
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