Wolffian duct
Embryonic male precursor
The Wolffian duct is an embryonic structure that develops into parts of the male reproductive system, including the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.
In female embryos, it largely degenerates.
Named after German embryologist Caspar Friedrich Wolff.
Also called the mesonephric duct.
Sperm storage and maturation site
- vas deferensSperm-transporting tube
- testisMale reproductive gland
- spermatogenesisMale gamete formation
- testosteroneChief male sex hormone
andrology · prostate · scrotum · urology · masculinization · androgens · SRY gene
Of excretory-reproductive organs
- primordialExisting from the start
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- morphogenesisDevelopmental shape emergence
- developmentProgress toward maturity
nephron · gonad · cloaca · sexual differentiation · organogenesis · fetal development
Reduced, without current function
- remnantWhat stays after most goes
- atrophyWasting from disuse
- regressionReturn to former state
- degenerationProgressive loss of function
epididymis
Sperm storage and maturation site
- vas deferensSperm-transporting tube
- testisMale reproductive gland
- spermatogenesisMale gamete formation
testosterone · andrology · prostate · scrotum · urology · masculinization · androgens · SRY gene
urogenital
Of excretory-reproductive organs
- primordialExisting from the start
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- morphogenesisDevelopmental shape emergence
development · nephron · gonad · cloaca · sexual differentiation · organogenesis · fetal development
vestigial
Reduced, without current function
- remnantWhat stays after most goes
- atrophyWasting from disuse
- regressionReturn to former state
- ductsbile duct, tear duct, sweat duct, milk duct, air duct
- Urogenital Anatomybladder, kidney, kidneys, urethra, ureter
- embryonic structuresembryo, fetus, zygote, blastocyst, morula
- kidney developmentnephron, glomerulus, Wnt signaling