> which structure in males is homologous to the labia minora in females?
> I have a theory that the foreskin of males is homologous to the labia
> minora plus the clitoral hood in females. Is that correct?
Until around the 8th week of gestation, male and female external
genitalia are basically identical. By week 12 in the female, an
embryonic stucture called the genital tubercule developes into the
clitoris, and the urogenital membrane develops into the labia. In the
male, the genital tubercle becomes the penis, while the urogenital
membrane becomes the scrotum. The penile foreskin is derived from the
genital tubercle, along with the rest of the penis, while the clitoral
hood is formed from the urogenital membrane, along with the labia. So
they're not exactly embryonic homologues.
Axel Boldt - 14 Aug 2004 17:43 GMT
Griffin <nospam@here.net> wrote
> Until around the 8th week of gestation, male and female external
> genitalia are basically identical. By week 12 in the female, an
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> hood is formed from the urogenital membrane, along with the labia. So
> they're not exactly embryonic homologues.
Great information, thanks. When you say "the urogenital membrane
develops into the labia" you mean both labia minora and labia majora?
Axel
Griffin - 14 Aug 2004 18:25 GMT
> When you say "the urogenital membrane develops into the labia" you mean
> both labia minora and labia majora?
Yes.
: Hi,
: which structure in males is homologous to the labia minora in females?
: I have a theory that the foreskin of males is homologous to the labia
: minora plus the clitoral hood in females. Is that correct?
: Thanks,
: Axel

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Pass the embryology textbook, please. :)
Jorge1907 - 29 Aug 2004 12:57 GMT
I have a theory that you are a moron.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy