müllerian duct (redirected from Müllerian ducts)

müllerian duct

[miler′ē·ən, mYl-]

Etymology: Johannes P. Müller, German physiologist, 1801-1858

one of a pair of embryonic ducts that become the fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina in females and that atrophy in males, resulting in formation of the prostatic utricle.

---

müllerian duct, Muellerian duct

either of the paired embryonic paramesonephric ducts developing into the vagina, uterus and uterine tubes, and becoming largely obliterated in the male or retained as the uterus masculinus or prostatic utricle. Named after J.P. Müller, a German physiologist.

---

müllerian duct aplasia

the ovaries cycle normally and the lumen of the tube oral to the obstruction distends with secreted fluids. The lumen may be obstructed at any location along its length, including only one horn; the commonest form is hymenal persistence. Called also 'white heifer disease'.

müllerian duct inhibitory factor

produced by the Sertoli cells in the developing testis; causes müllerian duct regression, a key step in sexual differentiation.