Gubernaculum

Gubernaculum is a structure that plays a crucial role in the anatomical development of the male reproductive system. It is a fibrous cord that connects the gonads to the scrotum in males and to the labia majora in females. The gubernaculum aids in the descent of the testes during fetal development.

Function

The gubernaculum is responsible for the descent of the testes from the abdomen into the scrotum. This process occurs in two stages: the transabdominal phase and the inguinoscrotal phase. The gubernaculum plays a key role in both phases.

Development

The gubernaculum begins to develop in the seventh week of gestation. It grows out from the inguinal region and attaches to the gonads. As the fetus grows, the gubernaculum does not elongate at the same rate, causing the testes to move closer to the scrotum.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the development or function of the gubernaculum can lead to conditions such as cryptorchidism, where one or both of the testes fail to descend.

See also

• Testes
• Gonads
• Scrotum
• Cryptorchidism

References

Gubernaculum Resources
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