Session 4: Case Studies Flashcards
What is the normal route of the testes? What structure is involved in this process?
From the abdominal cavity down to the pelvic cavity via the inguinal canal by being pulled by the gubernaculum. The gubernaculum is attached to the inferior side of the testes as well as the labia-scrotal body. The gubernaculum pulls the testes through the abdominal cavity meaning it will not pierce but take the contents with it. It pulls the external oblique fascia, the internal oblique muscle as well as the transversalis fascia with it. The testes end up in the scrotum.
Why does maldescent of the testes pose a potential clinical problem=
Bell clapper deformity leading to testicular torsion.
Inguinal hernias
Infertility due to suboptimal temperature for spermatogenesis
Cancer
What is responsible for the fusion of the genital folds of the male external genitalia?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Explain the main differences between the descent of the ovaries vs testes.
Ovaries don’t descend as far down as the testes due to the developing uterus.
The remnants of the gubernaculum don’t have much function in males where as it becomes the round ligament and uterine ligament in women.
Explain the main differences in development of external genitalia in female vs male.
Male
Genital tubercle becomes glans penis
Genital folds fuse to become spongy urethra
Genital swelling become scrotum
Female
Genital tubercle becomes the clitoris
Genital folds dont fuse
What is the association of the common embryological origin of the urinary, reproductive and GI systems in females?
The cloaca
A baby is born having a genotype XY, testicular development and normal secretion of testosterone and MIH. However the fetal genitalia is insensitive to testosterone or DHT.
What are the consequences of the development of the mesonephric duct?
It will not exist.
A baby is born having a genotype XY, testicular development and normal secretion of testosterone and MIH. However the fetal genitalia is insensitive to testosterone or DHT.
What are the consequences of the development of the external genitalia?
The external genitalia will be female.
A baby is born having a genotype XY, testicular development and normal secretion of testosterone and MIH. However the fetal genitalia is insensitive to testosterone or DHT.
What are the consequences of the development of the paramesonephric duct?
It will still degenerate.
A baby is born having a genotype XY, testicular development and normal secretion of testosterone and MIH. However the fetal genitalia is insensitive to testosterone or DHT.
Summarise what you would expect for this baby’s internal genitalia.
Testes
No ovaries
No vas def
No uterus
No fallopian tubes
No proximal vagina
A baby is born having a genotype XX, but has excessive secretion of androgens from the adrenal gland.
What is this condition called?
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
A baby is born having a genotype XX, but has excessive secretion of androgens from the adrenal gland.
What are the consequences for embryonic development of the mesonephric ducts?
They will be present.
A baby is born having a genotype XX, but has excessive secretion of androgens from the adrenal gland.
What are the consequences for embryonic development of the external genitalia?
It will be male genitalia due to presence of DHT.
