What is the term for the condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum?

• A. Orchitis
• B. Hypospadias
• C. Cryptorchidism
• D. Testicular torsion

Answer: (C)

Undescended testicles describe a situation where one or both testes do not migrate into the scrotum as they normally would. During development, the testes form near the kidneys and descend into the scrotum before or shortly after birth. When this descent fails, the testes can remain in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal, a condition known as cryptorchidism. This term specifically names the issue of the testes being out of the scrotal position, which is different from other testicular problems.

Orchitis refers to inflammation of a testicle, usually from infection or injury. Hypospadias is a urethral opening located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. Testicular torsion is the twisting of a testicle, cutting off its blood supply and causing sudden pain and requires urgent care. Among these, cryptorchidism is the precise term for the testicle not descending into the scrotum.