cryptorchidism (redirected from Undescended testicles)

cryptorchidism /crypt·or·chid·ism/ (krip-tor´kid-izm) failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum.cryptor´chid

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Cryptorchidism

Occurs when a boy is born with one or both testicles in the lower abdomen rather than the scrotum. Known also as undescended testicles, it is the primary risk factor for testicular cancer.

Mentioned in: Testicular Cancer, Undescended Testes

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cryptorchidism

[kriptôr′kidiz′əm]

Etymology: Gk, kryptos, hidden, orchis, testis

a developmental defect in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum and are retained in the abdomen or inguinal canal. The testes normally migrate into the scrotal sac at birth, but normal testicular descent depends on timely and synchronous development of other embryonic structures. If spontaneous descent does not occur by the age of 1 year, hormonal injections may be given. If injections are unsuccessful, orchiopexy is usually performed before age 3. Also called cryptorchid testis , cryptorchis, undescended testis.

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cryptorchidism

the state of being a cryptorchid. An improperly developed testis may never leave the abdomen, and it may not produce the hormones that induce secondary sex characters. A testis lodged in the canal may well produce these secondary sex characters, but cannot produce spermatozoa. Failure of both testicles to descend is uncommon. Usually only one testis is involved and the other produces sufficient spermatozoa to render the animal fertile. Called also rig.

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inherited cryptorchidism

there is some evidence that cryptorchidism can be inherited in most species.

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cryptorchidism

Undescended testicles A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum; cryptorchidism uncorrected in early childhood is linked to azoospermia and ↑ testicular CA. Cf Anorchia.