Development Flashcards
When is genetic/chromosomal sex determined?
At fertilization
When is gonadal sex determined?
6 weeks
When does the differentiation of the reproductive system begin?
6 weeks
When can phenotypic sex be determined?
8 weeks
What are the hormones involved in male reproductive system differentiation?
SRY, SOX9, testosterone
What are the hormones involved in female reproductive system development?
RSPO1, WNT4, estrogen
What does the undifferentiated gonad give rise to?
Both the testes and the ovaries
What does the gonad originate from?
The genital ridge
What is the genital ridge?
It is a thickening of intermediate mesoderm covered by coelomic epithelium
What is the role of the primordial germ cells in the reproductive system?
They emigrate to the gonads and primitive sex chords
What happens if the primordial germ cells fail to reach the genital ridge?
The gonads do not development
What is responsible for ovarian development?
The DAX-1 gene on the short arm of the X chromosome
Which cell in the biopotential gonad is responsible for producing testosterone?
Leydig cells
What cell in the biopotential gonad is responsible for producing oestrogen?
Granulosa/follicular cells
What is essential for male development?
The Y chromosome and the presence of SRY