Embryology of the female genital tract

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511527036.002

1 - Embryology of the female genital tract

from Part I - Normal development

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 May 2010

Fergus Cameron and

Edited by

Jane MacDougall and

Fergus Cameron: Affiliation:
Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
Craig Smith: Affiliation:
Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
Adam H. Balen: Affiliation:
Leeds Teaching Hospitals, University Trust
Sarah M. Creighton: Affiliation:
University College London Hospitals
Melanie C. Davies: Affiliation:
University College London
Jane MacDougall: Affiliation:
Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge
Richard Stanhope: Affiliation:
Great Ormond Street Hospital

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Summary

Introduction

Regardless of their sex, all human embryos initially develop a common set of genital structures. A pair of primordial gonads, the genital ridges, appear in both males and females during the sixth week of embryonic life. Two associated ducts develop, the Müllerian and Wollfian ducts, while presumptive external genitalia appear as folds of cloacal tissue. The fate of these undifferentiated internal and external structures depends upon the genetic sex of the embryo. In individuals with an XY sex chromosome constitution, the genital ridges become testes. Hormones released from the developing testes masculinize the internal ducts and external genitalia. Sertoli cells of the fetal testes synthesize anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH; also known as Müllerian inhibitory substance), which induces Müllerian duct regression. Meanwhile, testosterone secretion from Leydig cells induces Wolffian duct differentiation into vas deferens, and virilization of the external genitalia into penis and scrotum. Testis differentiation is initiated by the SRY gene (sex-determining region of the Y chromosome). In individuals with an XX sex chromosome constitution, SRY is absent and the genital ridges differentiate as ovaries rather than testes. Furthermore, in the absence of AMH and testosterone, the ducts follow alternative developmental paths. In the absence of AMH, the Müllerian ducts are free to differentiate into the Fallopian tubes, uterus and upper portion of the vagina. In the absence of testosterone, the Wolffian ducts regress. The external genitalia of female embryos differentiate into clitoris and labia.

Type: Chapter
Information: Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology
A Multidisciplinary Approach
, pp. 3 - 8

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511527036.002 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2004

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