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Updated: Sep 1, 2025
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Using Ex Vivo Upright Droplet Cultures of Whole Fetal Organs to Study Developmental Processes during Mouse Organogenesis
Published on: October 21, 2015
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The Development of Normal Fetal External Genitalia Throughout Gestation.
Kelsey Pinson1,2, Dora J Melber1,2, Ngoc-Hieu Nguyen1,2
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
Summary
This review details fetal genitalia development and ultrasound identification of normal male and female external genitalia. Abnormal cases are used to highlight common developmental abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate assessment of fetal genitalia is crucial for prenatal diagnosis.
- Understanding normal development aids in identifying congenital anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe normal fetal genitalia development throughout gestation.
- To illustrate the ultrasound identification of normal male and female genitalia.
- To use abnormal and ambiguous genitalia to recognize common external genitalia development abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on fetal genitalia development.
- Analysis of ultrasound imaging techniques for fetal external genitalia assessment.
- Case examples of abnormal and ambiguous genitalia.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of the stages of normal fetal external genitalia development.
- Key ultrasound markers for distinguishing male and female genitalia.
- Illustrative examples of common external genitalia abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with normal fetal genitalia development and ultrasound appearance is essential for accurate prenatal diagnosis.
- Recognizing abnormal and ambiguous genitalia aids in early detection of developmental disorders.
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