Sex cords

Sex cords are structures that develop in the early stages of sexual differentiation in mammals. They are derived from the gonadal ridge and are involved in the formation of gonads, either testes in males or ovaries in females.

Etymology

The term "sex cords" is derived from the Latin word "cordis", meaning "heart". This is in reference to the cord-like structures that form in the developing gonads.

Development

Sex cords develop from the gonadal ridge, a structure that forms on the mesonephros during the early stages of embryogenesis. The gonadal ridge is composed of mesenchymal cells, which give rise to the sex cords.

In males, the sex cords develop into the seminiferous tubules, which are responsible for sperm production. In females, the sex cords degenerate and are replaced by cortical cords, which develop into the ovarian follicles.

Function

The primary function of the sex cords is to support the development of the gonads. They provide a framework for the developing germ cells, and are involved in the formation of the seminiferous tubules in males and the ovarian follicles in females.

Related Terms

• Gonadal ridge
• Mesonephros
• Embryogenesis
• Mesenchymal
• Seminiferous tubules
• Cortical cords
• Ovarian follicles
• Germ cells

See Also

• Sexual differentiation
• Gonad
• Testis
• Ovary

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