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Descent of the Testes
The process of testicular descent begins in approximately week 7.
Originally, the testes develop within the abdomen deep to the peritoneum (aka, retroperitoneal).
The cranial suspensory ligament attaches to the superior pole of the testes and the gubernaculum extends from the inferior pole of the testes toward the developing inguinal region and future scrotum.
In approximately week 12 the peritoneum evaginates to form the processus vaginalis, which passes through the developing inguinal canal on its wat to the developing scrotum.
By weeks 32-35 the testes have descended through the inguinal canals to reach the scrotal sac; thus, in the mature form, the testes are external to the abdominopelvic cavity. The cranial suspensory ligament regresses, and the gubernaculum persists as a fibrous remnant to anchor the testis.
The gubernaculum helps guide the testis during its migration through the inguinal canal to the scrotum.
Descent results from multifactor mechanisms that include hormonal signaling, gubernaculum growth and remodeling, the processus vaginalis, and intra-abdominal pressure.
Cryptorchidism is failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum; the testes may spontaneously descend after birth, but persistent undescended testes may require surgery.