Embryology of the Reproductive System

Embryology of the Reproductive System | Expert Reference

How it begins

The development of the reproductive system is one of the most complex, fascinating and clinically relevant embryological processes of human ontogenesis. Unlike most organic systems, the reproductive system undergoes an initial phase of complete sexual indifference, during which the anatomical precursors are morphologically identical in both genetic sexes. This bipotentiality is…

What it covers

1. Primordial Germ Cells (PGC) Extragonadal origin, epigenetic specification and migration
2. · 1.1 CGP specification
3. · 1.2 CGP migration
4. The Indifferent Gonad (Bipotential) Gonadal crest, cell populations and differentiation competence
5. · 2.1 Origin of the Cell Populations of the Gonad
6. · 2.2 Molecular Factors of Gonadal Competition
7. Gonadal Sex Determination The SRY–SOX9 cascade and the WNT4/RSPO1 pathway in active competition
8. · 3.1 The SRY Gene and the Testicular Determination Cascade
9. · 3.2 The WNT4/RSPO1/β-catenin Pathway and Ovarian Determination
10. · 3.3 Additional Genes with Roles in Gonadal Determination
11. · 4.1 Formation of the Seminiferous Cords (Testicular)
12. · 4.2 Sertoli cells
13. · 4.3 Fetal Leydig Cells
14. · 4.4 Final Testicular Architecture and Sperm Route
15. Female Gonadogenesis: Ovarian Development Fetal folliculogenesis, atresia and ovarian reserve
16. · 5.1 Fetal Meiosis in the Ovary
17. · 5.2 Ovarian Differentiation and Compartments
18. The Genital Ducts: Wolff and Müller Duct bipotentiality and the principle of active regression
19. Male Ductal Differentiation Wolffian duct, prostate and seminal vesicles
20. · 7.1 Differentiation of the Wolffian Duct
21. · 7.2 Development of the Prostate
22. · 7.3 Regression of the Müllerian Ducts in Males
23. Female Ductal Differentiation Müllerian ducts, ductal fusion and vaginal canalization
24. · 8.1 Development of the Paramesonephric Ducts (Müller's)
25. · 8.2 Fusion of the Müllerian Ducts and Uterine Formation
26. · 8.3 Vaginal Canalization and the Urogenital Sinus
27. · 8.4 Mesonephric Remnants in Women
28. Differentiation of the External Genitals Genital tubercle, folds, tumescence and the role of DHT
29. · 9.1 Structures of the Indifferent Phase
30. · 9.2 Male Differentiation: The Role of DHT
31. · 9.3 Chronology of the Differentiation of the External Genitals
32. Testicular Descent Two phases, testicular gubernacle, INSL3 and androgenic control
33. · 10.1 Phase I: Transabdominal Descent (Weeks 10–23)
34. · 10.2 Phase II: Inguinoscrotal Descent (Weeks 26–32)
35. · 11.1 The Fetal HHG Axis and "Minipuberty"
36. · 11.2 Comparative Actions of Testosterone vs. DHT vs. Estrogens
37. Anomalies of Reproductive Development Classification, mechanisms and main clinical correlations
38. · 12.1 Ovarian-Tubal Anomalies
39. · 12.2 Anomalies of the Male External Genitals
40. Disorders of Sexual Differentiation (DSD) Classification, molecular bases and clinical approach
41. · 13.1 DSD 46,XY — Subtypes and Mechanisms
42. · 13.2 DSD 46,XX — Subtypes and Mechanisms
43. Comparative Tables and Integrative Summary Homologies, embryological derivatives and key clinical correlations
44. · 14.1 Master Table of Homologies
45. · 14.2 Critical Genes: Visual Summary
46. · 14.3 Master Principles of Reproductive Embryology