••• Chapter 2^ Embryology of the Genital Tract^17
❍ What is the most common cause of an abdominal mass in a female fetus or newborn?
Ovarian cysts.
❍ What are female infants follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values up to a year of life?
FSH levels in infants are higher than normal adult levels during a menstrual cycle. FSH levels then decrease to low
levels by 1 year.
❍ Before puberty, is the ovary in the female quiescent?
No. Follicles begin to grow and frequently reach the antral stage.
❍ What are the three major anatomic parts of the ovary?
The outer cortex, the medulla, and the hilum.
❍ Which portion of the ovary contains the oocytes?
The inner portion of the cortex.
❍ What is the tunica albuginea?
The outermost portion of the ovarian cortex.
❍ What three structures develop from the Müllerian ducts (paramesonephric ducts)?
Fallopian tubes, uterus, and upper two-thirds of the vagina.
❍ What is the function of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)?
AMH induces the resorption of the Müllerian ducts. It is secreted at approximately 7 weeks’ gestation, when
Sertoli cell differentiation occurs.
❍ Name three functions of AMH.
AMH exerts an inhibitory effect on oocyte meiosis, helps to control the descent of the testes, and inhibits
surfactant accumulation in the lungs.
❍ Is AMH completely absent in the female?
No. AMH is not expressed prior to birth to ensure normal female differentiation. After puberty, AMH is produced
and secreted by granulosa cells from small growing ovarian follicles and acts as a paracrine inhibitory factor.
❍ Which cells produce AMH?
Sertoli cells.
❍ Which cells produce testosterone?
Leydig cells.
❍ Do human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels remain constant in the fetus throughout gestation?
No. hCG levels are similar in the fetus to levels in maternal circulation, peaking at 10 weeks and reaching a nadir
at about 20 weeks.