Gubernaculum (also known as Gubernacula): An embryonic structure that helps guide proper descent of gonads into their final positions. It attaches the caudal end of the fetal GONADS to the developing SCROTUM in male and the labium majorum in female. It gives rise to the caudal ligaments of the gonad: the scrotal ligame

NIH MeSH · D000071477Anatomy

Gubernaculum

Also known asGubernacula

Definition

An embryonic structure that helps guide proper descent of gonads into their final positions. It attaches the caudal end of the fetal GONADS to the developing SCROTUM in male and the labium majorum in female. It gives rise to the caudal ligaments of the gonad: the scrotal ligament in male and the uterine round and proper ovarian ligaments in female. It includes morphofunctional equivalent structures in non-mammals.

MeSH classification

  • A16.551

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Common questions about Gubernaculum

What does Gubernaculum mean in medicine?
An embryonic structure that helps guide proper descent of gonads into their final positions. It attaches the caudal end of the fetal GONADS to the developing SCROTUM in male and the labium majorum in female. It gives rise to the caudal ligaments of the gonad: the scrotal ligament in male and the uterine round and proper ovarian ligaments in female. It includes morphofunctional equivalent structures in non-mammals. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Gubernaculum known by any other names?
Yes. Gubernaculum is also referred to as Gubernacula in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Gubernaculum sit in the medical classification?
Gubernaculum falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A16.551). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Gubernaculum?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000071477) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗