Canal of Nuck
Encyclopedia
The canal of Nuck, described by Anton Nuck in 1691, is an abnormal patent pouch of peritoneum
extending into the labia majora
of women. It is analogous to the processus vaginalis
in males (see hydrocele
).
The pouch accompanies the gubernaculum
during development of the urinary and reproductive organs
, more specifically during the descent of the ovaries, and normally obliterates.
, a hydrocele
in women, etc.
Peritoneum
The peritoneum is the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity or the coelom — it covers most of the intra-abdominal organs — in amniotes and some invertebrates...
extending into the labia majora
Labia majora
The labia majora are two prominent longitudinal cutaneous folds that extend downward and backward from the mons pubis to the perineum and form the lateral boundaries of the pudendal cleft, which contains the labia minora, interlabial sulci, clitoral hood, clitoral glans, frenulum clitoridis, the...
of women. It is analogous to the processus vaginalis
Processus vaginalis
The processus vaginalis is an embryonic developmental outpouching of the peritoneum.It is present from around the 12th week of gestation, and commences as a peritoneal outpouching.-Gender differences:...
in males (see hydrocele
Hydrocele
A hydrocoele denotes a pathological accumulation of serous fluid in a body cavity. It can also be noted as a minor malformation of newborns due to high levels of lead in the mother's blood during pregnancy....
).
The pouch accompanies the gubernaculum
Gubernaculum
The paired Gubernacula are embryonic structures which begin as undifferentiated mesenchyme attaching to the caudal end of the gonads .-Function during development:...
during development of the urinary and reproductive organs
Development of the urinary and reproductive organs
The development of the urinary and reproductive organs as a part of the prenatal development, concerns the urinary system and sex organs. The latter is a part of the stages of sexual differentiation....
, more specifically during the descent of the ovaries, and normally obliterates.
Clinical significance
In rare cases, it may give rise to a cystCyst
A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst could go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery.- Locations :* Acne...
, a hydrocele
Hydrocele
A hydrocoele denotes a pathological accumulation of serous fluid in a body cavity. It can also be noted as a minor malformation of newborns due to high levels of lead in the mother's blood during pregnancy....
in women, etc.
External links
- http://www.heelmeester.nl/ingrepen/cyst_of_nuck.htm