Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Prenatal Human Development

  • Chapter
Biology of the Uterus

Abstract

The prenatal development of the human uterus is presented here primarily from the viewpoint of morphology. It should be needless to stress that other considerations—from the fields of biochemistry and endocrinology, for example—are also necessary for a proper understanding of uterine development. Moreover, a developmental account of the uterus necessitates that attention be given to the urinary system, because “the urinary and reproductive organs … form an inseparable whole in the adult organism” (Felix, 1912) as they do also in the embryo and fetus.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Agogué, M., 1965, Dualité embryologique du vagin humain et origine histologique de sa muqueuse. Gynécol. Obstét. 64: 407–414.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beltermann, R., 1965, Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen am Epoophoron des Menschen, Arch. Gynaeko 200: 275–284.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bok, G., and Drews, U., 1983, The role of the wolffian ducts in the formation of the sinus vagina: An organ culture study, J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol 73: 275–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouton, C., and Maillet, M., 1971, Contribution à l’étude de l’organogénèse utérine chez le foetus humain, C. R. Assoc. Anat. 56: 261–275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowdler, J. D., Dey, D. L., and Smith, P. G., 1971, Embryological implications of the male vagina, J. Anat. 110: 510.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bulmer, D., 1957, The development of the human vagina, J. Anat. 91: 490–509.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buttram, V. C., 1983, Müllerian anomalies and their management, Fertil. Steril. 40: 159–163.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Candreviotis, N., 1967, Die spezifische Differenzierung des Mesenchym in den Anlagen der Genitalorgane des Menschen, insbesondere des Müllerschen Ganges bei der Frau und ihre Beziehung zur Histogenese der Endometriose, gegrundent auf embryologisch-histologische Untersuchungen, Zentralbl. Gynaekol. 89: 369–382.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, H. R., 1911, A contribution to the origin of uterine muscle in relation to blood-vessels, J. Obstet. Gynaecol. Br. Emp. 20: 85–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cunha, G. R., 1975, The dual origin of vaginal epithelium, Am. J. Anat. 143: 387–392.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cunha, G. R., 1976, Epithelial-stromal interactions in development of the urogenital tract, Int. Rev. Cytol. 47: 137–194.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Danforth, D. N., 1947, The fibrous nature of the human cervix, and its relation to the isthmic segment in gravid and nongravid uteri, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 53: 541–560.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davies, J., and Kusama, H., 1962, Developmental aspects of the human cervix, Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 97: 534–550.

    Google Scholar 

  • Didier, E., 1968, Données expérimentales sur la formation du canal de Müller chez l’embryon d’oiseau, Ann. Embryol. Morphog. 1: 341–350.

    Google Scholar 

  • Didier, E., 1973a, Recherches sur la morphogénèse du canal de Müller chez les oiseaux. I. Étude descriptive, W. Roux Arch. Entwickl. Mech. Org. 172: 271–286.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Didier, E., 1973b, Recherches sur la morphogénèse du canal de Müller chez les oiseaux. II. Étude expérimentale, W. Roux Arch. Entwickl. Mech. Org. 172: 287–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duthie, G. M., 1925, An investigation of the occurrence, distribution and histological structure of the embryonic remains in the human broad ligament, J. Anat. 59: 410–431.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edelman, D. A., 1986, DES/Diethylstilbestrol. New Perspectives, MTP, Lancaster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eida, T., 1961, Entwicklungsgeschichtliche Studien über der Verschiebung der Epithelgrenze an der Portio vaginalis cervicis, Yokohama Med. Bull. Suppl. 12: 54–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Faulconer, R. J., 1951, Observations on the origin of the Müllerian groove in human embiyos, Contrib. Embryol. Carnegie Inst. 34: 159–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Felix, W., 1912, The development of the urinogenital organs, in: Manual of Human Embryology, Vol. 2 ( F. Keibel and F. P. Mall, eds.), pp. 752–979, J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fluhmann, C. F., 1960, The developmental anatomy of the cervix uteri, Obstet. Gynecol. 15: 62–69.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Forsberg, J. -G., 1963, Derivation and Differentiation of the Vaginal Epithelium, Institute of Anatomy, Lund

    Google Scholar 

  • Forsberg, J. -G., 1965, Origin of vaginal epithelium, Obstet. Gynecol. 25: 787–791.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forsberg, J. -G., 1973, Cervicovaginal epithelium: Its origin and development, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 115: 1025–1043.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Forsberg, J. -G., 1978, Development of the human vaginal epithelium, in: The Human Vagina ( E. S. E. Hafez and T. N. Evans, eds.), pp. 3–19, North-Holland, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frutiger, P., 1969, Zur Frühentwicklung der Ductus paramesonephrici und des Müllerschen Hügels beim Menschen, Acta Anat. 72: 233–245.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, G. H., Greene, R. R., and Peckham, B. M., 1948, Normal and cystic structures of the broad ligament, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 55: 917–939.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Glenister, T. W., 1962, The development of the utricle and of the so-called “middle” or “median” lobe of the human prostate, J. Anat. 96: 443–455.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gruenwald, P., 1941, The relation of the growing müllerian duct to the wolffian duct and its importance for the genesis of malformations, Anat. Ree. 81: 1–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gruenwald, P., 1942, Primary asymmetry of the growing müllerian ducts in the chick embryo, J. Morphol. 71: 299–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gruenwald, P., 1959, Growth and development of the uterus: The relationship of epithelium to mesenchyme, Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 75: 436–440.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamperl, H., and Kaufmann, C., 1959, The cervix uteri at different ages, Obstet. Gynecol. 14: 621–631.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huffman, J. W., 1948, Mesonephric remnants in the cervix, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 56: 23–40.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, R. H., 1930, Observations on the development of the human female genital tract, Contrib. Embryol. Carnegie Inst. 22: 91–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jost, A., 1972, A new look at the mechanisms controlling sex differentiation in mammals, Johns Hopkins Med. J. 130: 38–53.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koff, A. K., 1933, Development of the vagina in the human fetus, Contrib. Embryol. Carnegie Inst. 24: 59–90.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lauchlan, S. C., 1972, The secondary Müllerian system, Obstet. Gynecol. Surv. 27: 133–146.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matejka, M., 1959, Die Morphogenese der menschlichen Vagina und ihre Gesetzmässigkeiten, Anat. Anz. 106: 20–37.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mauch, R. B., Thiedemann, K. -U., and Drews, U., 1985, The vagina is formed by downgrowth of Wolffian and Müllerian ducts, Anat. Embryol. 172: 75–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, R., 1909, Zur Kenntnis des Gartnerschen (oder Wolffschen) Ganges besonders in der Vagina und dem Hymen des Menschen, Arch, mikroskop. Anat. 73: 751–792.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monie, I. W., and Sigurdson, L. A., 1950, A proposed classification for uterine and vaginal anomalies, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 59: 696–698.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Monroe, C. W., and Spector, B., 1962, The epithelium of the hydatid of Morgagni in the human adult female, Anat. Ree. 142: 189–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morii, T., 1958, Statistical studies on the weights of female internal genital organs of human fetus, Shikoku Acta Med. 13: 212–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, J., 1972, The development of the lower uterine segment, Aust. N. Z. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. 12: 182–185.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • O’Rahilly, R., 1973, The embryology and anatomy of the uterus, in: The Uterus ( H. J. Norris, A. T. Hertig, and M. R. Abell, eds.), pp. 17–39, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Rahilly, R., 1977, The development of the vagina in the human, Birth Defects 13: 123–136.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Rahilly, R., 1983, The timing and sequence of events in the development of the human reproductive system during the embryonic period proper, Anat. Embryol. 166: 247–261.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Rahilly, R., and Muecke, E. C., 1972, The timing and sequence of events in the development of the human urinary system during the embryonic period proper, Z. Anat. Entwicklungsgesch. 138: 99–109.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Rahilly, R., and Müller, F., 1984, Embryonic length and cerebral landmarks in staged human embryos, Anat. Ree. 209: 265–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Rahilly, R., and Müller, F., 1987, Developmental Stages in Human Embryos, Publication 637, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, D. C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Politzer, G., 1955, Zur normalen und abnormen Entwicklung der menschlichen Scheide, Anat. Anz. 102: 271–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanfilippo, S., and Niedobitek, F., 1965, Zur Pathogenese einer Endometriose im Bereich des Lumbaimarkes bei Spina bifida, Arch. Gynaekol. 200: 452–462.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scammon, R. E., 1926, The prenatal growth and natal involution of the human uterus, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 23: 687–690.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shikinami, J., 1926, Detailed form of the Wolffian body in human embryos of the first eight weeks, Contrib. Embryol. Carnegie Inst. 18: 49–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Song, J., 1964, The Human Uterus: Morphogenesis and Embryological Basis for Cancer, Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, IL.

    Google Scholar 

  • Streeter, G. L., 1948, Developmental horizons in human embryos. Description of age groups XV, XVI, XVII, and XVIII, being the third issue of a survey of the Carnegie Collection, Contrib. Embryol. Carnegie Inst. 32: 133–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sundarasivarao, D., 1953, The Müllerian vestiges and benign epithelial tumours of the epididymis, J. Pathol. Bacteriol. 66: 417–432.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Szamborski, J., and Laskowska, H., 1968, Some observations on the developmental histology of the human foetal uterus, Biol. Neonat. 13: 298–314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Torrey, T. W., 1954, The early development of the human nephros, Contrib. Embryol. Carnegie Inst. 35: 175–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulfelder, H., and Robboy, S. J., 1976, The embryologic development of the human vagina, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 126: 769–776.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Valdes-Dapena, M. A., 1957, An Atlas of Fetal and Neonatal Histology, J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vilas, E., 1934, Zur Entwicklung der menschlichen Scheide, Anat. Anz. 79: 150–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walz, W., 1958, Über die Genese der sogenannten indirekten Metaplasie im Bereich des Müllerschen-Gang-Systems, Z. Geburtshilfe Gynaekol. 151: 1–21.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wells, L. J., 1959, Embryology and anatomy of the vagina, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 83: 80–88.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Witschi, E., 1970, Development and differentiation of the uterus, in: Prenatal Life ( H. C. Mack, ed.), pp. 11–35, Wayne State University Press, Detroit.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zanetti, E., Ferrari, L. R., and Rossi, G., 1978, Classification and radiographic features of uterine malformations, Br. J. Radiol. 51: 161–170.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Carnegie Laboratories of Embryology, California Primate Research Center, Davis, California, 95616, USA

    Ronan O’Rahilly

Authors
  1. Ronan O’Rahilly
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA

    Ralph M. Wynn M.D. (Professor) (Professor)

  2. Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA

    Ralph M. Wynn M.D. (Professor) (Professor)

  3. Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA

    William P. Jollie Ph.D. (Professor and Chairman) (Professor and Chairman)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1989 Plenum Publishing Corporation

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

O’Rahilly, R. (1989). Prenatal Human Development. In: Wynn, R.M., Jollie, W.P. (eds) Biology of the Uterus. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5589-2_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5589-2_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-5591-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-5589-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation