The Gubernaculum and the Ductus Deferens... same thing?

Question

Are they different names for the same thing?

Answer 1

Definitely not!

Ductus deferens are the 2 tubes connecting the testes to the urethra for ejaculation. The gubernaculum is responsible in development for guiding the gonads down to their correct positions... because even the testes develop in the abdomen (L2 level).

Interestingly, the gubernaculum has remnents in the adult male. There are scrotal ligaments on the inferior border of the testes that derive from the gubernaculum.

Hope this helps!