Testis Health Dictionary

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Testis: From 3 Different Sources

One of 2 male sexual organs, also called testicles, that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. The testes develop in the fetus within the abdomen and usually descend into the scrotum by birth or within the next few months.

Each testis contains seminiferous tubules that produce sperm. Cells between the seminiferous tubules produce testosterone.

Each testis is suspended by the spermatic cord, composed of the vas deferens, blood vessels, and nerves. (See also testis, undescended.)

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
n. (pl. testes) either of the pair of male sex organs that produce spermatozoa and secrete the male sex hormone *androgen under the control of *gonadotrophins from the pituitary gland. The testes of the fetus form within the abdomen but descend into the *scrotum in order to maintain a lower temperature that favours the production and storage of spermatozoa. The bulk of the testis is made up of long convoluted seminiferous tubules (see illustration), in which the spermatozoa develop (see spermatogenesis). The tubules also contain *Sertoli cells, which may nourish developing sperm cells. Spermatozoa pass from the testis to the *epididymis to complete their development. The interstitial (Leydig) cells, between the tubules, are the major producers of androgens.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Testis, Retractile

A testis that is drawn up.... testis, retractile

Maldescended Testis

See under TESTICLE, DISEASES OF.... maldescended testis

Undescended Testis

See under TESTICLE, DISEASES OF.... undescended testis

Testis, Cancer Of

A rare, cancerous tumour of the testis. Testicular cancer is most common in young to middle-aged men, and the risk increases in individuals with a history of undescended testis (see testis, undescended). The most common types of testicular cancer are seminomas, which are made up of only 1 type of cell, and teratomas. The cancer usually appears as a firm, painless swelling of 1 testis. There may also be pain and inflammation. Biopsy, followed by orchidectomy, is the usual treatment, and may be combined with chemotherapy. The tumours usually respond well to treatment.... testis, cancer of

Testis, Ectopic

A testis that is absent from the scrotum because it has descended into an abnormal position, usually in the groin or at the base of the penis. The condition is most often discovered soon after birth during a routine physical examination. It is treated by orchidopexy. (See also testis, undescended.) ... testis, ectopic

Testis, Pain In The

Pain in a testis may be caused by mild injury, a tear in the wall of the testis due to a direct blow, orchitis, epididymo-orchitis, and torsion of the testis (see testis, torsion of). Sometimes, no cause is found and the pain disappears without treatment. If the wall of the testis is torn, an operation to repair it may be needed. ... testis, pain in the

Testis, Swollen

Swelling of the testis or the surrounding tissues in the scrotum. Harmless and painless swellings include epididymal cysts, hydroceles, varicoceles, and spermatoceles. Cancer of the testis (see testis, cancer of) is rare but may be a cause of painless swelling. Swelling that is painful may be caused by a direct blow, torsion of the testis (see testis, torsion of), orchitis, epididymoorchitis, or, in very rare cases, cancer of the testis. Any swelling of the testes should be assessed promptly by a doctor.... testis, swollen

Testis, Torsion Of

Twisting of the spermatic cord that causes severe pain and swelling of the testis. The pain develops rapidly and is sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain and nausea. The testis becomes swollen and very tender, and the skin of the scrotum becomes discoloured. Unless the torsion is treated within a few hours, permanent damage to the testis results. The condition is most common around puberty. It is more likely to occur if the testis is unusually mobile within the scrotum.

Diagnosis is by physical examination.

Surgery is performed to untwist the testis and anchor it in the scrotum with small stitches to prevent recurrence.

If irreversible damage has occurred, orchidectomy is performed.

In either case, the other testis is anchored to the scrotum to prevent torsion on that side.

With prompt treatment, recovery of the testis is complete.... testis, torsion of

Testis, Undescended

A testis that has failed to descend from the abdomen to the scrotum. The condition usually affects only 1 testis and occurs in about 1 per cent of full-term and 10 per cent of premature male babies. An undescended testis often descends within months of birth but rarely descends after this time. An undescended testis does not develop normally, is incapable of normal sperm production, and is at increased risk of developing testicular cancer (see testis, cancer of). If both testes are undescended, infertility results.

A diagnosis is made during a physical examination after birth or later in infancy.

Treatment is by orchidopexy, which usually reduces the risk of later infertility or testicular cancer (see testis, cancer of).

A poorly developed undescended testis may be removed if the other is normal.... testis, undescended


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