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Related Concept Videos

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus01:15

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Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
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A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
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The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
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Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
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Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
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Testes: Gross Anatomy01:19

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The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
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Using Ex Vivo Upright Droplet Cultures of Whole Fetal Organs to Study Developmental Processes during Mouse Organogenesis
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Development of the human fetal testis.

Peter J O'Shaughnessy1, Paul A Fowler2

  • 1College of medical, veterinary and life sciences, institute of biodiversity, animal health and comparative medicine, university of Glasgow, Bearsden road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, United Kingdom.

Annales D'Endocrinologie
|April 22, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Fetal testicular endocrine programming is crucial for male fertility and well-being. Maternal smoking, a potential xenotoxicant exposure, can disrupt fetal testis and liver function, impacting male reproductive health.

Keywords:
FetalFoieFœtusHommeHumanLiverMaternal smokingSteroidogenesisStéroïdogenèseTabagisme maternelTestis

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Male fertility and masculinization depend on fetal endocrine programming.
  • Testosterone from fetal testes is key for these developmental processes.
  • Understanding human fetal testis development is vital for preventing adult reproductive issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review human fetal testis development.
  • To examine the impact of maternal smoking on fetal testis and liver function.
  • To explore maternal smoking as a proxy for xenotoxicant exposure during gestation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of human fetal testis development.
  • Analysis of studies on maternal smoking effects.
  • Examination of xenotoxicant exposure impacts on fetal development.

Main Results:

  • Maternal smoking affects fetal testis and liver function.
  • This exposure may disrupt critical endocrine programming.
  • Potential long-term consequences for male reproductive health and aging.

Conclusions:

  • Proper fetal endocrine programming is essential for male reproductive health.
  • Maternal smoking poses a risk to fetal development and function.
  • Further research is needed to understand xenotoxicant impacts on male reproductive health.