Ductus Wolffi is a term used in anatomy to refer to an embryonic structure that gives rise to the male reproductive system. The word "ductus" is pronounced [ˈdʌktʌs], with the stress on the first syllable and the vowel in the second syllable being pronounced as "uh." "Wolffi" is pronounced [ˈvɔlfi], with the stress on the first syllable and the "w" being pronounced as a "v" sound in German. Paying attention to the phonetic transcription of these terms helps ensure accurate spelling and pronunciation.
Ductus Wolffi, also known as Wolffian duct, is a developmental structure found in embryos of both males and females in many vertebrate species, including humans. It is a vital component of the early reproductive system.
The ductus Wolffi is named after Caspar Friedrich Wolff, a German embryologist who first described it in the 18th century. It forms during the early stages of embryonic development, around the fifth week after conception. In the male embryo, it later develops into the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles, which are crucial for the transportation and storage of sperm. In female embryos, the ductus Wolffi regresses and does not contribute to the formation of the female reproductive system.
Its function in male embryos involves the transport, maturation, and storage of sperm. The ductus Wolffi connects the primitive testes to the urogenital sinus and eventually forms the male reproductive duct system. Hormones, such as testosterone, play a significant role in the differentiation and development of the ductus Wolffi.
Disorders or developmental abnormalities affecting the ductus Wolffi can result in reproductive system malformations or infertility. Understanding the embryological development and functions of the ductus Wolffi is crucial for comprehending the complex formation of the reproductive system in both sexes.
Wolffian duct.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "ductus Wolffi" is derived from Latin.
The word "ductus" in Latin means "duct" or "channel", while "Wolffi" refers to a specific individual named Kaspar Friedrich Wolff. Wolff was an 18th-century German anatomist and embryologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of human and animal development.
The term "ductus Wolffi" is used in anatomy to refer to a structure found in the male embryo, which later develops into the epididymis and vas deferens. It was named in honor of Kaspar Friedrich Wolff due to his pioneering work in embryology.