Gubernaculum

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This article refers to the structure in mammals. For the term in parasitology, see Gubernaculum (parasitology).

The paired gubernacula are folds of peritoneum that attach to the caudal end of the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females).

Function during development

As the scrotum and labia majora form in males and females, respectively, the gubernaculum aids in the descent of the gonads (both testes and ovaries).

The testis descends to a greater degree than the ovary and ultimately pass through the inguinal canal.

Adult structures

The gubernaculum is present only during the development of the urinary and reproductive organs, being replaced by distinct vestiges in males and females.

Males

In males:

• The upper part of the gubernaculum degenerates.

• The lower part persists as the gubernaculum testis ("scrotal ligament"). This ligament secures the testis to the most inferior portion of the scrotum, tethering it in place and limiting the degree to which the testis can move within the scrotum.

Females

In females:

• The upper part of the gubernaculum, together with the ovarian artery and vein form the suspensory ligament of the ovary, which suspends the ovary from the pelvic wall.

• The lower gubernaculum has two vestigial remnants in females, the ovarian ligament and the round ligament of the uterus (ligamentum teres uteri) which respectively serve to support the ovaries and uterus in the pelvis.

External links

• Template:SUNYAnatomyLabs - "Inguinal Region, Scrotum and Testes: The Scrotal Ligament"
• Template:EMedicineDictionary