Testicle Anatomy & Disorders PDF

# TESTICLE ## I. CRYPTORCHIDISM - **A.** Failure of testicle to descend into the scrotal sac - **1.** Testicles normally develop in the abdomen and then "descend" into the scrotal sac as the fetus grows. - **B.** Most common congenital male reproductive abnormality; seen in 1% of male infants....

# TESTICLE ## I. CRYPTORCHIDISM - **A.** Failure of testicle to descend into the scrotal sac - **1.** Testicles normally develop in the abdomen and then "descend" into the scrotal sac as the fetus grows. - **B.** Most common congenital male reproductive abnormality; seen in 1% of male infants. - **C.** Most cases resolve spontaneously; otherwise, orchiopexy is performed before 2 years of age. - **D.** Complications include testicular atrophy with infertility and increased risk for seminoma. ## II. ORCHITIS - **A.** Inflammation of the testicle - **B.** Causes - **1.** Chlamydia trachomatis (serotypes D-K) or Neisseria gonorrhoeae-Seen in young adults. Increased risk of sterility, but libido is not affected because Leydig cells are spared. - **2.** Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas-Seen in older adults; urinary tract infection pathogens spread into the reproductive tract. - **3.** Mumps virus (teenage males)-increased risk for infertility; testicular inflammation is usually not seen in children < 10 years old. - **4.** Autoimmune orchitis-characterized by granulomas involving the seminiferous tubules ## III. TESTICULAR TORSION - **A.** Twisting of the spermatic cord; thin-walled veins become obstructed leading to congestion and hemorrhagic infarction - **B.** Usually due to congenital failure of testes to attach to the inner lining of the scrotum (via the processus vaginalis) - **C.** Presents in adolescents with sudden testicular pain and absent cremasteric reflex ## IV. VARICOCELE - **A.** Dilation of the spermatic vein due to impaired drainage - **B.** Presents as scrotal swelling with a "bag of worms" appearance - **C.** Usually left sided; left testicular vein drains into the left renal vein, while the right testicular vein drains directly into the IVC. - **1.** Associated with left-sided renal cell carcinoma; RCC often invades the renal vein. - **D.** Seen in a large percentage of infertile males ## V. HYDROCELE - **A.** Fluid collection within the tunica vaginalis - **1.** Tunica vaginalis is a serous membrane that covers the testicle as well as the internal surface of the scrotum. - **B.** Associated with incomplete closure of the processus vaginalis leading to communication with the peritoneal cavity (infants) or blockage of lymphatic drainage (adults)