What is the Difference Between Mullerian Duct and Wolffian Duct?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The Müllerian duct and Wolffian duct are embryological structures that develop into female and male reproductive organs, respectively. Here are the main differences between them:
- Müllerian Duct:
- Develops into the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and upper one-third of the vagina.
- Also known as the paramesonephric duct.
- Influence of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): The absence of AMH leads to the development of female genitalia.
- Dysfunction in the development of Müllerian ducts can lead to anomalies in the uterus, such as vaginal agenesis, growth of unwanted cells, and abnormalities in the axial skeletal and renal system.
- Wolffian Duct:
- Develops into the seminal vesicles, epididymis, and vas deferens.
- Also known as the mesonephric duct.
- Develops under the influence of male androgens, such as testosterone.
- Improper development of the Wolffian ducts can lead to congenital absence of the vas deferens, and mutations in the androgen receptor can present with the development of female genitalia.
During fetal development, both the Müllerian and Wolffian ducts are closely associated with each other. The Müllerian duct elongates along the preformed Wolffian duct, and the Wolffian duct regulates Müllerian duct elongation. Any dysfunction in the development of these ducts can lead to various reproductive health issues and anomalies.
Comparative Table: Mullerian Duct vs Wolffian Duct
Müllerian Duct and Wolffian Duct are embryological structures that develop into the internal reproductive organs of females and males, respectively. Here is a table comparing their differences:
| Feature | Müllerian Duct | Wolffian Duct |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Paired embryological structure that gives rise to female reproductive organs. | Paired embryological structure that gives rise to male reproductive organs. |
| Develops into | Cervix, upper one-third of the vagina, fallopian tubes, and uterus. | Seminal vesicles, epididymis, and vas deferens. |
| Alternate Name | Paramesonephric duct. | Mesonephric duct. |
| Influence of Anti-Müllerian Hormone | The absence of AMH leads to the development of female genitalia. | The development of these structures is influenced by male androgens, such as testosterone. |
The Müllerian ducts are named after German physiologist Johannes Peter Müller, while the Wolffian ducts are named after German physiologist Caspar Friedrich Wolff.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus vs Truncus Arteriosus
- Mullerian vs Batesian Mimicry
- Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome vs Mullerian Agenesis
- Vas Deferens vs Fallopian Tube
- Ureter vs Urethra
- Gynandromorph vs Hermaphrodite
- Sphincter of Oddi vs Ampulla of Vater
- Seminiferous Tubules vs Leydig Cells
- Male vs Female Reproductive System
- Bulbourethral Gland vs Prostate Gland
- Anus vs Cloaca
- Vas Deferens vs Vasa Efferentia
- Ceruminous vs Meibomian Glands
- Mammal vs Marsupial
- Placental vs Marsupial
- Mucus vs Mucous
- Glandular Tissue vs Lactiferous Tissue
- Protonephridia vs Metanephridia
- Male vs Female Urethra Anatomy