Table 1.

Normal embryonic structures, their origin, adult counterparts, and controlling gene and hormone

Embryonic structure	Origin	Male genital structure	Female genital structure
Gonad	Retroperitoneal mesenchyme, peritoneal mesothelium, primitive adrenal tissue	Testis (SRY)	Ovary (RSPO1)
Mesonephric tubule	Mesonephros (transient second kidney)	Rete testis	Rete ovarii
Paramesonephric duct	Retroperitoneal mesenchyme, peritoneal mesothelium	* (anti-Müllerian hormone [Müllerian inhibitory substance])	Uterine tube Uterus Cervix Cranial vagina (WNT4)
Mesonephric duct	Retroperitoneal mesenchyme, peritoneal mesothelium	Epididymis Deferent duct Vesicular gland (SRY, WNT4)	*
Urogenital sinus	Peroneal tissues	Bulbourethral gland Penis Prepuce Scrotum (androgens and INSL3)	Caudal vagina Vestibule Vulva

Asterisk indicates regression

Genes and factors involved in sex determination are in parentheses. SRY inhibits female sexual development at multiple sites