Labioscrotal folds
Encyclopedia
The labioscrotal folds are paired structures in the human embryo
that represent the final stage of development of the caudal end of the external genitals before sexual differentiation
. In both males and females the two swellings merge:
The image referenced on the side of this article has erroneously omitted the Prepuce
of the male drawing. Although this is a common representation of the male genital state in cultures were genital mutilation
of the penis is commonly practiced, the prepuce will develop in both males and females.
Embryo
An embryo is a multicellular diploid eukaryote in its earliest stage of development, from the time of first cell division until birth, hatching, or germination...
that represent the final stage of development of the caudal end of the external genitals before sexual differentiation
Sexual differentiation
Sexual differentiation is the process of development of the differences between males and females from an undifferentiated zygote...
. In both males and females the two swellings merge:
- In the female, they become the posterior labial commissure. The sides of the genital tubercleGenital tubercleA phallic tubercle or genital tubercle is a body of tissue present in the development of the urinary and reproductive organs. It forms in the ventral, caudal region of mammalian embryos of both sexes, and eventually develops into a phallus...
grow backward as the genital swellings, which ultimately form the labia majoraLabia majoraThe 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...
; the tubercle itself becomes the mons pubisMons pubisIn human anatomy or in mammals in general, the mons pubis , also known as the mons veneris or simply the mons, is the adipose tissue lying above the pubic bone of adult females, anterior to the pubic symphysis...
. In contrast, the labia minoraLabia minoraThe labia minora , also known as the inner labia, inner lips, or nymphae, are two flaps of skin on either side of the human vaginal opening, situated between the labia majora...
are formed by the urogenital folds - In the male, they become the scrotumScrotumIn some male mammals the scrotum is a dual-chambered protuberance of skin and muscle containing the testicles and divided by a septum. It is an extension of the perineum, and is located between the penis and anus. In humans and some other mammals, the base of the scrotum becomes covered with curly...
.
The image referenced on the side of this article has erroneously omitted the Prepuce
Prepuce
Prepuce may refer to:* The foreskin, which surrounds and protects the head of the penis* The clitoral hood, which surrounds and protects the head of the clitoris...
of the male drawing. Although this is a common representation of the male genital state in cultures were genital mutilation
Genital mutilation
Genital mutilation can refer to:*Clitoridectomy*Female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision*Genital modification and mutilation*Infibulation...
of the penis is commonly practiced, the prepuce will develop in both males and females.
