Wolffian duct
Wolffian Duct
The Wolffian duct (also known as the mesonephric duct or nephric duct) is an integral part of the embryonic development of the urinary and reproductive organs in mammals, including humans.
Pronunciation
- Wolffian duct: /ˈwʊl.fi.ən dʌkt/
Etymology
The term "Wolffian duct" is named after the German scientist Caspar Friedrich Wolff who first described the structure in the 18th century.
Definition
The Wolffian duct is a paired organ found in mammals during embryogenesis. It serves as the precursor to certain male reproductive organs, and is named after Caspar Friedrich Wolff who described the structure. In females, the Wolffian duct degenerates except for a few structures.
Function
In male embryos, the Wolffian duct develops into the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicle. In female embryos, the Wolffian duct degenerates, with only the Gartner's duct and the epoophoron remaining.
Related Terms
- Epididymis: A long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes.
- Vas deferens: The duct that conveys sperm from the testicle to the urethra.
- Seminal vesicle: The gland that produces a significant proportion of the fluid that ultimately becomes semen.
- Gartner's duct: The vestigial remnant of the Wolffian duct that can be found in the female reproductive system.
- Epoophoron: A remnant of the Wolffian duct that can be found in the female reproductive system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wolffian duct
- Wikipedia's article - Wolffian duct
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