The Accessory Reproductive Tract in Mammalian True Hermaphrodites, an Effect of Position

Abstract

With present views on the influence of hormones upon the development of the Wolffian and Mullerian ducts the absence of accessory sex organs on one side in birds and in mammalian gynandromorphs is impossible. A review of the literature gives evidence of an effect by the proximal gonad which has changed in intensity during evolution. Gynandro-morphic forms have only occurred in rodents. In ungulates the uterus develops on both sides regardless of the nature of the gonad. The presence of testicular tissue tends to suppress development of the oviduct on the same side, but presence of ovarian tissue does not suppress development of the epididymis and vas deferens if testicular tissue is also present on the same side. In primates there is a strong tendency for the development of a bicornuate uterus in true hermaphroditism.