Processus vaginalis
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| Processus vaginalis | ||
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| Schematic drawing of a cross-section through the vaginal process. 1 testicle, 2 Epididymis, 3 Mesorchium, 4 Lamina visceralis of Tunica vaginalis, 5 Lamina parietalis of Tunica vaginalis, 6 Cavum vaginale, 7 Mesepididymis, 8 Fascia spermatica interna | ||
| Latin | processus vaginalis peritonei | |
| Days | 84 | |
| Gives rise to | Tunica vaginalis | |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | p_34/12667734 | |
The processus vaginalis (or vaginal process) is an embryonic developmental outpouching of the peritoneum.
It is present from around the 12th week of gestation, and commences as a peritoneal outpouching.
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[edit] Gender differences
In males, it precedes the testis in their descent down within the gubernaculum, and closes. This closure occurs at any point from a few weeks before birth, to a few weeks after birth. The remaining portion around the testes becomes the tunica vaginalis. [1]
It does not close in females. Instead, it forms the canal of Nuck. [2]
[edit] Clinical significance
Failure of closure of the processus vaginalis leads to the propensity to develop a number of abnormalities.
Peritoneal fluid can travel down a patent processus vaginalis leading to the formation of a hydrocele.
There is the potential for an inguinal hernia to develop, although not all people with a patent processus vaginalis will develop one. The more patent the processus vaginalis, the more likely the patient is to develope a hernia.
Persistent patent processus vaginalis more common on the right than the left.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Chapter 34: Male genitalia. Retrieved on 2007-12-01.
- ^ Definition: processus vaginalis of peritoneum from Online Medical Dictionary. Retrieved on 2007-12-01.
[edit] External links
- Swiss embryology (from UL, UB, and UF) ugenital/diffmorpho04
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