Processus vaginalis

Infobox Embryology
Name = PAGENAME
Latin = processus vaginalis peritonei
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Caption = Schematic drawing of a cross-section through the vaginal process. 1 testicle, 2 Epididymis, 3 Mesorchium, 4 Lamina visceralis of Tunica vaginalis, 5 Lamina parietalis of Tunica vaginalis, 6 Cavum vaginale, 7 Mesepididymis, 8 Fascia spermatica interna


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Days = 84
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GivesRiseTo = Tunica vaginalis
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DorlandsPre = p_34
DorlandsSuf = 12667734
The processus vaginalis (or vaginal process) is an embryonic developmental outpouching of the peritoneum.

It is present from around the 12th week of gestation, and commences as a peritoneal outpouching.

Gender differences

In males, it precedes the testis in their descent down within the gubernaculum, and closes. This closure occurs at any point from a few weeks before birth, to a few weeks after birth. The remaining portion around the testes becomes the tunica vaginalis. cite web |url=http://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/part_6/chapter_34.html |title=Chapter 34: Male genitalia |accessdate=2007-12-01 |format= |work=]

It does not close in females. Instead, it forms the canal of Nuck. cite web |url=http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?processus+vaginalis+peritonei |title=Definition: processus vaginalis of peritoneum from Online Medical Dictionary |accessdate=2007-12-01 |format= |work=]

Clinical significance

Failure of closure of the processus vaginalis leads to the propensity to develop a number of abnormalities.

Peritoneal fluid can travel down a patent processus vaginalis leading to the formation of a hydrocele.

There is the potential for an inguinal hernia to develop, although not all people with a patent processus vaginalis will develop one. The more patent the processus vaginalis, the more likely the patient is to develope a hernia.

Persistent patent processus vaginalis more common on the right than the left.

ee also

* Canal of Nuck

References

External links

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