Genital ridge
| Genital ridge | |
|---|---|
Section of the fold in the mesonephros of a chick embryo of the fourth day. (Genital ridge labeled at left.) | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Urogenital folds |
| Gives rise to | Sex cords |
| System | Reproductive system |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | crista gonadalis |
| TE | ridge_by_E5.7.1.0.0.0.5 E5.7.1.0.0.0.5 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
In embryology, the genital ridge (genital fold or gonadal ridge) is the developmental precursor to the gonads. The genital ridge initially consists mainly of mesenchyme and cells of underlying mesonephric origin. Once oogonia enter this area they attempt to associate with these somatic cells. Development proceeds and the oogonia become fully surrounded by a layer of cells (pre-granulosa cells).
The genital ridge appears at approximately five weeks, and gives rise to the sex cords.