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Reproductive System Development (view source)

Revision as of 14:11, 19 August 2011

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==Introduction==

Development of the reproductive system is a complex process relying on numerous systems and conditions to ensure appropriate structures and rate of development are maintained within the embryo. There are several important criteria that determine appropriate reproductive system development; '''genetic sex''' which determines the sex of the embryo, '''gonadal sex''' and '''phenotypic sex''' which both determine sexual differentiation. Genetic sex determines gonadal sex which in turn determines phenotypic sex. Sex determination relates to the genetic or environmental process which determines the sex of an individual whilst sexual differentiation represents the development of internal and external genitalia.

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==Sex Determination in Mammals==

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In mammals the male is the heterogametic species (XY chromosomes) and females are the homogametic species (XX chromosomes) and this is the first stage in the development of the reproductive system. This stage occurs in the zygote and genes in the Y chromosome regulate the development of gonads towards the male phenotype. Therefore the Y chromosome must be present for the development of the male gender, regardless of the number of X chromosomes (see Developmental Abnormalities section below). Each Y chromosome contains a '''Sex Determining Region''' (SRY).

==EMBRYOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE GENITAL TRACT==

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