Juxtagonadal mesonephric glomeruli in fetuses of 11 to 21 weeks of gestation.

Mesonephric glomeruli and tubules were found in the juxtagonadal region in 11 fetuses ranging in age from 11 to 21 postmenstrual weeks. Although mesonephric excretory function into the fourth month of gestation has been postulated, mesonephric glomeruli have been previously acknowledged anatomically only during embryonal and early fetal life. The present observations indicate that mesonephric glomeruli persist as anatomical structures into the midtrimester of gestation. The conclusion that the observed glomeruli are mesonephric is based on their location and the known strong anatomical and functional ties that bind mesonephros and gonad during development.