Embryology

• Development of genital system is based upon presence/lack of Y chromosome

  Absense = no testes determining factor
• Female gonads begin development in cortex (opposite to male)
• Female ovary - primitive sex cords dissociate, cortical cords form which make follicular cells
• Oocytes are formed from invaginating endoderm
• Paramesonephric ducts develop into genital ducts

  Cranial = fallopian tube

  Caudal = uterine canal
• Genital ducts fuse in midline to form broad ligament
• vagina origins - paramesonephric and urogenital sinus
• Female external genitalia- genital tubercle elongates and forms clitoris

  Urethral folds form labia minora

  Genital swellings enlarge to form labia majora