Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Prenatal sonographic evaluation of male genitalia development
N Zampieri1, C Zamboni, A Ghidini
1Department of Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Surgical Unit, University of Verona, Policlinico 'G.B. Rossi', and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ultrasound Unit, Civile Maggiore, Hospital, Verona, Italy. dr.zampieri@libero.it
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic development of normal fetal male genitalia.
Methods:
A longitudinal study was performed on 60 male fetuses. The development of penis, prepuce and presence of testes in scrotum were observed with a high resolution transabdominal ultrasonography between weeks 11 and 40.
Results:
The overall success of identifying correctly the fetal male gender increased with gestational age from 46% to 80%, and 96% at 12, 13 and 14 week, respectively. The number of the scans performed in relation to the gestational age from week 11 to week 14 improves the ability to assign the male gender and to report the penile length (P<0.05); the earliest observations of descend testis were at 24 weeks. The bilateral observation of testicular descend was at 31 weeks in 98% of fetuses.
Conclusion:
Development of male genitalia is easy evaluated through the pregnancy. This could be useful to early identify male genitalia abnormalities.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
02:19The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
01:19Testes: Gross Anatomy
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
01:29Penis
Anatomy of the Penis
The glans penis, or the head, is the terminal part of the penis and houses the external urethral orifice, the exit point for urine and semen. Covered by the prepuce, or foreskin, the glans is noted for its sensitivity and plays a key role in sexual pleasure. The body of the...
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
01:25Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.