Wolffian structures
Encyclopedia
In anatomy, Wolffian structures are male urogenital structures that include the epididymis
, vas deferens
, and seminal vesicle
s. They are often referred to in cases of androgen insensitivity syndrome
.
Epididymis
The epididymis is part of the male reproductive system and is present in all male amniotes. It is a narrow, tightly-coiled tube connecting the efferent ducts from the rear of each testicle to its vas deferens. A similar, but probably non-homologous, structure is found in cartilaginous...
, vas deferens
Vas deferens
The vas deferens , also called ductus deferens, , is part of the male anatomy of many vertebrates; they transport sperm from the epididymis in anticipation of ejaculation....
, and seminal vesicle
Seminal vesicle
The seminal vesicles or vesicular glands are a pair of simple tubular glands posteroinferior to the urinary bladder of male mammals...
s. They are often referred to in cases of androgen insensitivity syndrome
Androgen insensitivity syndrome
Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a condition that results in the partial or complete inability of the cell to respond to androgens. The unresponsiveness of the cell to the presence of androgenic hormones can impair or prevent the masculinization of male genitalia in the developing fetus, as...
.
See also
- Wolffian ductWolffian ductThe mesonephric duct is a paired organ found in mammals including humans during embryogenesis....
, anlage for certain male reproductive organs. - Wolffian tubulesWolffian tubulesThe Wolffian tubules are precursors of the mesonephros.-Development:On the medial side of the Wolffian duct, from the sixth cervical to the third lumbar segments, a series of tubules, the Wolffian tubules, develops. They increase in number by outgrowths from the original tubules...
, precursors of the mesonephros.