The Müllerian ducts (or paramesonephric ducts) are paired ducts of the embryo which run down the lateral sides of the urogenital ridge and terminate at the mullerian eminence in the primitive urogenital sinus. In the female, it will develop to form the fallopian tubes, uterus, and the upper portion of the vagina. It is tissue of mesodermal origin.
The development of the Müllerian ducts is controlled by the presence or absence of "AMH", or Anti-müllerian hormone (also known as "MIF" for "Müllerian inhibiting factor", or "MIH" for "Müllerian inhibiting hormone").
male embryogenesis
The testes produce AMH and as a result the development of the Müllerian ducts is inhibited.
Disturbances can lead to persistent müllerian duct syndrome.
The ducts disappear except for the vestigial vagina masculina and the appendix testis.
female embryogenesis
The absence of AMH results in the development of female reproductive organs, as noted above.
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