The mesonephric (Wolffian) duct in the male fetus differentiates under the influence of testosterone into which adult structures?

• A Epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and ejaculatory duct ✓
• B Rete testis and efferent ductules
• C Prostate gland and bulbourethral glands
• D Urethra and external urethral sphincter

Explanation

The mesonephric (Wolffian) duct requires testosterone (produced by Leydig cells of the fetal testis) for its development and differentiation. It gives rise to the epididymis (from the cranial end), vas deferens (ductus deferens), seminal vesicles (lateral outgrowth), and ejaculatory duct. The rete testis and efferent ductules derive from the mesonephric tubules, not the duct proper. The prostate and bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands develop as outgrowths from the urogenital sinus under dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the absence of testosterone (female or androgen-insensitive male), the Wolffian duct regresses.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.