The Development of the Human Female Reproductive Tract: Part 2-Vagina.

ABSTRACT: Urogenital epithelium replaces the original paramesonephric (Müllerian) epithelium in the human fetal vagina. We re-investigated this cell replacement histologically and with three-dimensional reconstructions. In the lesser pelvis, both Müllerian ducts fuse to form the uterovaginal canal. Its large caudal "head" is flanked by the locally widened Wolffian ducts. In the 9th week, the urogenital epithelium that covers the Müllerian tubercle differentiates into small, dense-staining basal cells and columnar "clear cells" apically. Mesonephric (Wolffian-duct) outlet epithelium in contact with clear cells degenerates and is replaced by clear-cell epithelium. Meanwhile, the small cells of the urogenital-sinus epithelium form a funnel that physically contacts the underlying uterovaginal head, loca

SUBMITTER: Hulsman CJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12747650 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature