Gubernaculum

Gubernaculum (pronunciation: goo-ber-nak-yuh-lum) is a term used in anatomy and embryology to refer to a structure that guides the descent of a developing organ.

Etymology

The term "gubernaculum" is derived from the Latin word "gubernare", which means "to guide" or "to steer". This term was first used in the medical field in the 18th century.

Definition

In anatomy, the gubernaculum is a fibrous cord that connects the fetal gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) to the developing scrotum in males and to the labia majora in females. It plays a crucial role in the descent of these organs during the development of the fetus.

Function

The gubernaculum aids in the descent of the testes from the abdomen into the scrotum in males, a process that usually occurs before birth. In females, the gubernaculum becomes the round ligament of the uterus and the ovarian ligament, which hold the ovaries in place.

Related Terms

Gonads: The reproductive organs (testes in males and ovaries in females) that produce gametes (sperm or eggs).
Scrotum: The pouch of skin that contains the testes in males.
Labia Majora: The outer folds of skin that surround the opening of the vagina in females.
Round Ligament: A ligament that connects the uterus to the groin in females.
Ovarian Ligament: A fibrous ligament that connects the ovary to the side of the uterus in females.