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The fetal adrenal cortex can be identified within four weeks of pregnancy. [2] The adrenal cortex originates from the thickening of the intermediate mesoderm. [3] At five to six weeks of gestation, the mesonephros differentiates into a tissue known as the gonadal ridge.
Prenatal virilization of a genetically female fetus can occur when an excessive amount of androgen is produced by the fetal adrenal glands or is present in maternal blood, resulting in virilization of the female genitalia such as an enlarged clitoris. It can also be associated with progestin-induced virilisation.
However, the Adrenal gland is a larger organ in the fetus than the adult. The same group of researchers further observed that with the increase of fetal age, the adrenal glands also weigh more as observed by the research group in 90 human fetuses. However, the rate of increase is not uniform and varies throughout the fetal growth like other organs.
The adrenal medulla is derived from ectodermal cells. Cells that will become adrenal tissue move retroperitoneally to the upper portion of the mesonephros. At seven weeks of gestation, the adrenal cells are joined by sympathetic cells that originate from the neural crest to form the adrenal medulla. At the end of the eighth week, the adrenal ...
The fetal zone produces large amounts of adrenal androgens (male sex hormones) that are used by the placenta for estrogen biosynthesis. [39] Cortical development of the adrenal gland is regulated mostly by ACTH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates cortisol synthesis. [40]
Breast development throughout pregnancy may result in significant Areola and Areolar gland enlargement, erectile nipples, and/or nipple sensitivity. [8] [9] A woman's breasts grow during pregnancy, typically 1 to 2 cup sizes. [10] A woman who wore a C cup bra prior to her pregnancy may need to buy an F cup or larger bra while nursing. [11]
The germinal stage refers to the time from fertilization through the development of the early embryo until implantation is completed in the uterus. The germinal stage takes around 10 days. [1] During this stage, the zygote divides in a process called cleavage. A blastocyst is then formed and implants in the uterus.
These alternate androgen pathways play a crucial role in early male sexual development. In individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to enzyme deficiencies like 21-hydroxylase or cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency , these pathways can activate at any age with increased levels of precursors like progesterone or 17α ...