Embryology:

Reproductive System
PRESENTED BY
MARCELLA
BARRAN
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Introduction
C S
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B
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Definition
R Y
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A
N
The reproductive system develops from a complex interplay
of genetic and hormonal signals during embryogenesis.

Key Stages
Fertilization.
Differentiation of gonads.
Development of internal and external genitalia.
 Fertilization
and Zygote
P
R
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Formation
S
C Process:
E
E
N
L
T
L
E
D
A Sperm fuses with oocyte to form a zygote.
B B
Zygote undergoes mitotic divisions to form
Y A the blastocyst.
R
R
Relevance:
A
N

Chromosomal sex (XX or XY) is

determined at fertilization.
Gonadal
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Development C S
E E
L N
L
T
PRIMORDIAL GERM CELLS A
E
D
(PGCS) B
B
A
Y
R
Origin: Epiblast cells migrate to the R

genital ridges. A
N
Function: Precursor to sperm and
oocytes.

MALE
(TESTES)
INDIFFERENT
Sertoli cells form seminiferous tubules.
GONADS
Leydig cells produce testosterone.
Develop from genital ridges.
FEMALE
Influenced by SRY gene (male) or
(OVARIES)
absence of it (female).
MP
A R
R E
C S
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L N
L
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A
D

B
B
A
Y
R
R
A
N
 Development of Internal
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Genitalia
C S
E E
L N
T
MAL L
E
A
E D

B
B
Wolffian ducts (mesonephric ducts) form A
Y
R
epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal R
A
vesicles.
N
Testosterone and Anti-Müllerian
Hormone (AMH) regulate this process.

FEMAL
E
Müllerian ducts (paramesonephric
ducts) form fallopian tubes, uterus,
and upper vagina.
No AMH allows Müllerian duct
development.
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C S
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Development of External
L N
L
T
E
A
D

Genitalia B
A
R
B
Y

R
Indifferent Male Femal A

Stage e N

(Weeks 4–7)
Genital tubercle Genital tubercle forms
Genital tubercle, urogenital
elongates to form the the clitoris.
folds, and labioscrotal
penis. Urogenital folds form the
swellings present in both
Urogenital folds fuse to labia minora.
sexes.
form the penile urethra. Labioscrotal swellings
Labioscrotal swellings form the labia majora.
fuse to form the scrotum.
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Hormonal
L
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A
D

Regulation
B
B
A
Y
R
R
A
N

Key Hormones in Males:

Testosterone: Drives Wolffian duct development and external

genitalia masculinization.
AMH: Inhibits Müllerian duct development.
Key Hormones in Females:

Estrogens: Drive development of Müllerian ducts and

external genitalia feminization.
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A R

Congenital
R E
C S
E E
L N
L
T

Abnormalities
E
A
D

B
B
A
Y
R
R
A
N
Disorders of Sexual Development
(DSDs)

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS).

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).
Gonadal dysgenesis.
Structural Abnormalities

Hypospadias (males).
Uterine malformations (females).
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Timeline of C S
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Development
L N
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A
D

B
B
A
Y
WEEKS 1–6: WEEKS 7–12: R
R
INDIFFERENT STAGE. GONADAL DIFFERENTIATION A
N
BEGINS.

WEEKS 13–20: WEEKS 21–BIRTH:

Internal and external genitalia MATURATION OF STRUCTURES.
form.
 Clinical
Correlation
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Importance of understanding
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embryology in:
T L
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A
D

B
B
A Diagnosing congenital anomalies.
Y
R
R
Managing fertility-related disorders.
A
Treating intersex conditions.
N
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Conclusion
R E
C S
E E
L N
L
T
E
A
D

B
B
A
Y
The reproductive system develops through a complex series of genetic, hormonal, R
R
and structural changes. A
N
Any disruption during embryogenesis can lead to congenital anomalies.
Understanding these processes is critical for clinical practice.
thank you
MP
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C S
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L N
L T
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A
D

B
PRESENTED BY A
B
MARCELLA R
Y

BARRAN R
A
N
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References
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L N
L T
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D

B
B
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Y
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Sadler, T.W., Langman’s Medical Embryology (14th Edition). A

N

Moore, K.L., The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology.

Peer-reviewed articles on reproductive system development.