Question

The testes normally descend into the scrotum by about
1. 6 months
2. the time of birth
3. the age of 3 months
4. the time of puberty

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : the time of birth

The correct answer is the time of birth.

• The testes descend into the scrotum at the time of birth. 
• Testicles form in the abdomen during foetal development. During the last couple of months of normal foetal development, the testicles gradually descend from the abdomen through a tube-like passageway in the groin into the scrotum.
• Some babies have a condition called retractile testes and the healthcare provider may not be able to find the testicles.
• Testicular descent occurs after the fourth month of foetal life. The testes are derived from the gonadal ridge medial to the mesonephric ridge of the intermediate cell mass.
• The two phases of testes descent are regulated by a hormone secreted by Leydig cells: INSL3 that regulates the trans abdominal phase, whereas testosterone controls the inguinoscrotal phase.