Differentiation and development of the reproductive system in the iguanid lizard, Sceloporus undulatus

Embryos of the lizard Sceloporus undulatus were sampled throughout incubation, and the differentiation and development of the reproductive system was documented histologically. The undifferentiated gonads possess both a cortex and medulla, both of which contain germ cells until embryonic stage 34. Beginning at stage 34, the cortex of the presumptive ovary thickens, and cortical germ cells are more abundant. By the time of hatching, the ovarian cortex is 6 to 10 cells thick and filled with oogonia and oocytes; primordial follicles, however, are not yet present. In males at embryonic stage 34, seminiferous tubules appear in the medulla of the testis, and Sertoli cells begin to differentiate. Seminiferous tubule formation is complete by hatching, and both Sertoli and Leydig cells are apparent. The mullerian ducts develop in both sexes but begin regressing in the male at embryonic stage 37. The wolffian ducts also develop in both sexes and are present in males and females at hatching.