Descent of the Testes
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Testicular Descent:
Week 7
The testes are originally located within the abdominal cavity, deep to the peritoneum (aka, retroperitoneal).
- The caudal genital ligament attaches to the superior pole of the testes.
- The gubernaculum anchors the inferior pole to the scrotal swelling, inferiorly.
Week 12
The peritoneum begins to evaginates, forming the vaginal process as it grows towards and into the scrotal swelling.
A* s it migrates, the vaginal process creates a cavity as it pushes through the abdominal wall layers, ultimately giving rise to the inguinal canals.
9 Months
The testes have traveled through the inguinal canals to reach the scrotal sac; thus, in the mature form, the testes are external to the pelvic cavity.
- Though the caudal genital ligament regresses, the gubernaculum persists to anchor the testis.
- — The gubernaculum directs the testis during its migration through the inguinal canal to the scrotal sac; although the exact mechanisms are uncertain, shortening of the gubernaculum paired with growth of the abdominal organs (and, consequently, increased intra-abdominal pressure) likely facilitate testes descent.