Embryology Flashcards
When is the organogenetic period?
Weeks 4-8
When does maturation of organ systems occur?
Week 9 onwards
When does organogenesis of the reproductive system occur?
Extends beyond week 8 and even beyond the post-natal period
What system is the reproductive system linked closely to?
Urinary system (it forms a template for the reproductive system)
How many sets of kidneys develop?
3 sets
What is the first set of kidneys to develop?
Pronephros is the cervical region. They are vestigal
What is the second set of kidneys to develop?
Mesonephros in the thoracolumbar region. They are briefly functional
What is the last set of kidneys to develop?
Metanephros in the pelvic region. They are functional
What does the cloaca divide to form?
Rectum posteriorly and the urogenital sinus anteriorly
What does the mesonephric duct drain into?
The urogenital sinus
What does the urogenital sinus form?
The urinary bladder and the caudal end forms the urethra
What happens to the mesopnephros at about 6 weeks?
It forms a long ovoid structure in association with the thoracic and upper lumbar vertebra
What happens to the medial part of the mesonephric ridge?
It becomes thickened to form a genital/gonadal ridge
How are the indifferent gonads formed?
During week 6 germ cells migrate from the yolk sac, via the dorsal mesentery and embed into the primitive sex cords formed from the mesenchyme of the genital ridge
When are no gonads formed?
When there is failure of migration of germ cells to the genital ridge
How is the para-mesonephric duct formed?
Epithelium of the mesonephros invaginates to form a tube