THE MULLERIAN DUCTS. 



611 



veloped from two threads of blastema, called the Mullerian 

 ducts (Fig. 244, w), which appear in front of the Wolffian 

 bodies at about the time that these begin to change their rela- 

 tive position to neighboring parts, and to decrease in size. 

 The two Mullerian ducts are united below into a single cord, 

 called, the genital cord, and, from this are developed the 

 vagina, as well as the cervix and the lower portion of the body 

 of the uterus ; while the ununited portion of the duct on each 

 side forms the upper part of the uterus, and the Fallopian 

 tube. In certain cases of arrested or abnormal development, 

 these portions of the Mullerian ducts may not become fused 



FIG. 244. 



Diagram of the Wolffian bodies, Mullerian ducts and adjacent parts previous to 

 sexual distinction, as seen from before (from Quain). sr, the suprarenal bodies; 

 r, the kidneys ; ol, common blastema of ovaries or testicles ; W, Wolffian bodies ; w, 

 Wolffian ducts: m, m, Miillerian ducts; gc, genital cord; ug, sinus urogenitalis ; i, 

 intestine ; cl, cloaca. 



together at their lower extremities, and there is left a cleft or 

 horned condition of the upper part of the uterus, resembling 

 a condition which is permanent in certain of the lower ani- 

 mals. 



