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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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The penis serves a dual role in sexual reproduction and urination. It consists of three main regions: the glans penis, the body, and the root, each with distinct functions and unique anatomical features.
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The vulva encompasses the external structures of the female reproductive system. At the forefront is the monpubis, a cushion of fatty tissue atop the pubic bone. Once puberty sets in, this area typically grows hair. Extending from just behind the mons pubis are the labia majora (labia = 'lips'; majora = 'larger'), which are larger skin fs olds coated with hair. Nestled within are the labia minora (labia = 'lips'; minora = 'smaller'), which are thinner, more...
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Microscopic Replantation of Penile Glans Amputation Due to Circumcision
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Development of the human prepuce and its innervation.

Gerald R Cunha1, Adriane Sinclair1, Mei Cao1

  • 1Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.

Differentiation; Research in Biological Diversity
|October 27, 2019
PubMed
Summary

The human prepuce develops via a novel mechanism where the glans epidermis splits, forming the preputial lamina. This process, observed during 9-17 weeks of gestation, involves vascularized mesenchyme and may be hormone-dependent.

Keywords:
Androgen receptorEpidermal delaminationFrenulumHypospadiasPrepucePreputial lamina

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Area of Science:

  • Embryology
  • Human Development
  • Morphogenesis

Background:

  • The development of the human prepuce is a complex process not fully understood.
  • Previous studies have not detailed the specific morphogenetic events leading to preputial formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the morphogenetic mechanism of human prepuce and preputial lamina development.
  • To investigate the role of hormones and innervation in early penile development.

Main Methods:

  • Study of 30 human embryonic specimens (9-17 weeks gestation).
  • Utilized scanning electron microscopy, transverse and sagittal sectioning.
  • Examined expression of estrogen receptors (ESR1, ESR2) and nerve ontogeny.

Main Results:

  • Identified epidermal aggregates associated with preputial fold formation.
  • Described a novel mechanism of preputial lamina formation via glans epidermis splitting, driven by vascularized mesenchyme.
  • Documented the proximal to distal progression of this splitting from 10-11 weeks gestation.
  • Found differential expression of estrogen receptors (ESR2 more prominent than ESR1) and early innervation by the dorsal nerve of the penis.

Conclusions:

  • A new morphogenetic pathway for human prepuce development has been identified.
  • Hormonal signaling, particularly androgens and potentially estrogen receptor beta (ESR2), likely mediates this process.
  • Innervation of the glans penis and prepuce is established early in gestation.