Guelder rose

Gubernaculum testis is a structure in the male fetal anatomy that plays a crucial role in the testicular descent. It is a fibrous cord that connects the fetal testis to the developing scrotum. The gubernaculum testis aids in the transabdominal phase of testicular descent, which is a critical process in the development of the male reproductive system.

Development

The gubernaculum testis begins to develop in the seventh week of gestation. It grows out from the caudal pole of the testis and extends through the inguinal canal to the labioscrotal swelling. The gubernaculum testis does not elongate as the fetus grows, but instead, it shortens, pulling the testis down into the scrotum.

Function

The primary function of the gubernaculum testis is to guide the descent of the testis from the abdomen into the scrotum. This process occurs in two stages: the transabdominal phase and the inguinoscrotal phase. The gubernaculum testis is involved in the transabdominal phase, which occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. During this phase, the gubernaculum testis shortens, pulling the testis down towards the inguinal canal.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the development or function of the gubernaculum testis can lead to cryptorchidism, a condition where one or both of the testes fail to descend. This condition is the most common genital disorder in male infants and can lead to infertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer if not corrected.

See also

• Testicular descent
• Cryptorchidism
• Inguinal canal