Testicular descent. Normal and abnormal.

The subject of testicular descent has been reviewed. An attempt has been made to present a basic understanding of the embryology and mechanisms of this event. The abnormalities of testicular descent have also been discussed, including the pathogenesis and complications of this disorder, which is the most common developmental abnormality in childhood. The aims and results of both the hormonal and surgical treatments of cryptorchidism have been summarized. From data gleaned from the literature, a plea is made for the earlier treatment of the undescended testis in patients under five years of age.