Gonadal ridge
Gonadal Ridge
The Gonadal Ridge (pronunciation: goh-nad-al rij) is an essential structure in the embryonic development of the reproductive system in vertebrates.
Etymology
The term "Gonadal Ridge" is derived from the Greek words "gonos" meaning "seed" and "adelos" meaning "unseen". The term "ridge" is from the Old English "hrycg", meaning "back of a man or beast".
Definition
The Gonadal Ridge is an embryonic structure that eventually develops into the gonads, or sex organs, in both male and female vertebrates. It is the precursor to the testes in males and the ovaries in females.
Development
The Gonadal Ridge begins to form during the fifth week of embryonic development. It is initially a thickening of the coelomic epithelium, which is the tissue that lines the body cavity. The ridge continues to develop and differentiate under the influence of various genetic and hormonal factors. In males, the presence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers the development of the Gonadal Ridge into the testes. In females, the absence of the SRY gene allows the Gonadal Ridge to develop into the ovaries.
Related Terms
- Gonads: The reproductive organs that develop from the Gonadal Ridge.
- Testes: The male reproductive organ that develops from the Gonadal Ridge.
- Ovaries: The female reproductive organ that develops from the Gonadal Ridge.
- SRY gene: The gene on the Y chromosome that triggers the development of the Gonadal Ridge into the testes.
- Coelomic epithelium: The tissue that lines the body cavity and thickens to form the Gonadal Ridge.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gonadal ridge
- Wikipedia's article - Gonadal ridge
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