Externally, the differences between male and female fetal pigs are small. There is no external penis in the male, and the scrotum is not well developed until sexual maturity. In females, the entrance to the vagina is hidden beneath the tail.
The two specimens in this view show the small abdominal differences. The male (bottom) clearly shows the genital pore just behind the umbilical cord. This is the opening through which the erect penis will be everted for mating.
Running back from the genital pore along the midline of the abdomen, a faint white line is visible. This is the internal penis.
Slight development of the scrotum is visible between the legs. This is much clearer in the rear view, accessible by clicking at the end of this text.
In the female (top) there is a lack of the above features. The main external feature is the genital papilla, a triangular flap of tissue that covers the opening of the urogenital tract. It is found just ventral to the anus, beneath the tail.
To see a comparison of the rear views, click here.
To return to the original view, click here.
Click on the appropriate line below to view other topics: