Final answer:
The Wolffian ducts develop into male reproductive structures like the epididymis and vas deferens during male fetal development and degrade during female development. The Müllerian ducts form female reproductive organs such as the uterine tubes and uterus and degrade during male development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the Wolffian and Müllerian ducts lies in their function and the reproductive structures they form. Both ducts are present in the embryonic stage, where they are precursors to internal reproductive structures but are sexually dimorphic, meaning they will develop into either male or female reproductive systems. During male fetal development, the Wolffian ducts, under the influence of testosterone, will differentiate into structures such as the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles. Concurrently, the Müllerian ducts, suppressed by sustentacular cells secretion, will degrade. On the other hand, during female fetal development, the Müllerian ducts will develop into the uterine tubes, uterus, and part of the vagina, as the Wolffian ducts degenerate in the absence of testosterone.