Gubernaculum

This article is about the structure in mammals. For the structure in roundworms, see Gubernaculum (parasitology).
Gubernaculum

Sagittal section through the pelvis of a newly born female child. (Label for round ligament of uterus visible at upper right.)
Details
Days 60
Precursor Intermediate mesoderm
Gives rise to Gubernaculum testis (males), suspensory ligament of ovary, round ligament of uterus, ovarian ligament (females)
Latin Gubernaculum
Dorlands
/Elsevier
g_13/12403750

Anatomical terminology

The paired Gubernacula (from Ancient Greek κυβερνάω = pilot, steer, also called the Caudal Genital Ligament) are embryonic structures which begin as undifferentiated mesenchyme attaching to the caudal end of the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females).

Function during development

As the scrotum and labia majora form in males and females, respectively, the gubernaculum aids in the descent of the gonads (both testes and ovaries).

The testes descend to a greater degree than the ovaries and ultimately pass through the inguinal canal.

Adult structures

The gubernaculum is present only during the development of the urinary and reproductive organs, being replaced by distinct vestiges in males and females.

Males

In males:

Females

In females:

See also

References

    External links


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