Gonadal ridge

Gonadal cord is a structure that forms during the development of the gonads in both male and female embryos. It is a crucial component in the formation of the testes in males and the ovaries in females.

Development

The gonadal cord develops from the primordial germ cells (PGCs), which migrate from the yolk sac to the gonadal ridge. The PGCs proliferate and differentiate into spermatogonia in males and oogonia in females. The gonadal cord forms when these cells aggregate and become surrounded by a layer of somatic cells.

In males, the gonadal cord further differentiates into the seminiferous tubules, which are responsible for sperm production. In females, the gonadal cord breaks down to form the ovarian follicles, which produce eggs.

Function

The primary function of the gonadal cord is to facilitate the development of the gonads. It provides a structural framework for the differentiation of the germ cells into either spermatogonia or oogonia, depending on the sex of the embryo.

In males, the gonadal cord also plays a role in the formation of the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra. In females, the gonadal cord contributes to the formation of the fallopian tubes, which transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the development of the gonadal cord can lead to a variety of congenital disorders, including cryptorchidism (undescended testes), ovarian cysts, and intersex conditions.

Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend into the scrotum before birth. This can be caused by a failure of the gonadal cord to properly differentiate into the seminiferous tubules.

Ovarian cysts can form when the gonadal cord fails to break down properly in females, leading to the formation of fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries.

Intersex conditions can occur when the gonadal cord does not differentiate properly, leading to the development of gonads that are not clearly male or female.

See also

• Gonad
• Gonadal ridge
• Primordial germ cell
• Spermatogonia
• Oogonia