Descent of the testis

Gubernaculum (mesenchymal Processus vaginalis is

condensation) with genital an evagination from the
ligament attach testis to coelomic cavity into
scrotum scrotum

Inguinal canal is formed by the
following coats:
1- Internal spermatic fascia from
fascia transversalis
2- Cremasteric fascia from internal
oblique muscle
3- External spermatic fascia from
external oblique muscle
-After complete descent:
1- the part of processus
vaginalis in inguinal canal is
obliterated and fibrosed to
form vestigue of
processus vaginalis (B)
2- the part of processus
vaginalis in the scrotum forms
tunica vaginalis(A)
Testis in
abdomen

Processus
vaginalis Gubernaculum

Vistige of
processus
Testis in vaginalis
scrotum

Tunica
vaginalis
Scanning electron micrograph of a mouse embryo
showing the primitive gonad (G) , mesonephric duct
(arrowheads) , and gubernaculum (arrows).
 Stages of descent
1- Internal descent:
- At 3rd month testis descends to iliac fossa
- Up to 6th month it remain close to deep
inguinal ring
2- External descent:
- At 7th month it lies in the deep inguinal ring
- At 8th month it traverses inguinal canal
- At 9th month it lies at superficial inguinal ring
- It reaches scrotum shortly before birth
 Factors affecting descent of
testis
1- differential growth of posterior abdominal
wall
2- stimulating effect of androgens and
gonadotrophins
3- normal herniation under increased intra-
abdominal pressure
4- role of gubernaculum:
- It may become shortened and thickened and
pull testis to scrotum
- It may keep the path of descent open
 Descent of the ovary
- The caudal end of ovary is connected to the labia majora
by gubernaculum ovarii
- Gubernaculum becomes attached to uterus at junction
with uterine tube
- The part of gubernaculum joining ovary to uterus forms
round ligament of ovary
- The part of gubernaculum from uterus through inguinal
canal forms round ligament of uterus
- Attachment of gubernaculum to the uterus prevent extra-
abdominal descent of ovary to labia majora. It undergoes
only internal descent at 3rd month to final position
- The cranial part of genital ligament connecting ovary to
diaphragm forms suspensory ligament of ovary
 Congenital
anomalies of male
genital system
Undescended testis
Ectopic testis
 Congenital inguinal hernia

Due to persistence of processus vaginalis un-

obliterated and forms hernial sac.
Thus, loops of intestine pass through the hernial sac to
scrotum
 Congenital hydrocele

Due to accumulation of fluid in

the tunica vaginalis leading to
cystic swelling around testis
Thank you