gubernaculum testis

Also found in: Dictionary, Encyclopedia.

gu·ber·nac·u·lum tes·'tis

a mesenchymal column of condensed tissue that connects the fetal testis to the developing primordial scrotum; it becomes a ligament that appears to play a role in guiding testicular descent but it does not pull the testis into the scrotum by its contraction.

Synonym(s): gubernaculum (2)

gu·ber·nac·u·lum

(gū'bĕr-nak'yū-lŭm)

1. A fibrous cord connecting two structures.

2. A mesenchymal column of tissue that connects the fetal testis to the developing scrotum; it appears to play a role in guiding testicular descent. The gubernaculum in female embryos attaches to the ovaries and uterus.
Synonym(s): gubernaculum testis [TA] .

[L. a helm, rudder]

gubernaculum testis

A fibrous cord in the fetus that extends from the caudal end of the testis through the inguinal canal to the scrotal swelling. It is the guiding structure for the descent of the testis into the scrotum.