Physiology 2130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Vas Deferens, Seminal Vesicle, Sex Steroid
25 May 2016
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Document Summary
Module 13: reproductive system | page 1 of 8. Combined functions of both male and female reproductive systems are to pass on the genes of individuals and to maintain the species. Each cell in the body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, including a pair of sex chromosomes. During the first 6 weeks of development, male and female embryos contain common/indifferent gonads that will eventually form testes (male) and ovaries (female) There are also 2 sets of primitive reproductive tracts: wolffian/mesonephric duct, mullerian/paramesonephric duct, with the correct cues, these structures will form either the male or female reproductive tracts. In the developing male embryo, at 6-7 weeks, the presence of the y chromosome causes the indifferent gonads to develop into testes. In the developing female embryo, at 9 weeks, the xx chromosomes are activated and ovaries develop. Following development of ovaries or testes, reproductive tracts and external genitalia follow.
