释义 |
Wolffian duct noun[ C ] anatomy specializeduk /ˈwʊl.fi.ən ˌdʌkt/ us /ˈwʊl.fi.ən ˌdʌkt/ a small tube in babies before they are born that develops into the vas deferens (= a tube that carries sperm) in males and does not develop in females: Because females do not secrete testosterone, the Wolffian ducts regress and form vestigial structures. Normal internal male genitalia are derived from the Wolffian ducts using testosterone. In the male, the Wolffian duct persists, and forms the tube of the epididymis, the ductus deferens, and the ejaculatory duct. The ureter opens at first into the hind-end of the Wolffian duct, but after the sixth week it separates from it. The renal outgrowth from the Wolffian duct produces the kidney. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases Sexual & reproductive organs adnexa amniotic birth canal cervical cervix cojones corona radiata foreskin hymen IU labia majora labia minora labial labii testicular testis transplacental transplacentally tubal umbilical |