Unraveling Human Fetal Testicular Descent: Morphometric and Microscopic Analysis across Gestational Ages

Abstract

Abstract Background: Testicular descent is a complex process that begins during fetal development and culminates after birth. This study aimed to investigate the fetal testicular descent and development during the gestational period. Methodology: We performed a retrospective analysis of 29 fetuses, ranging from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation. The testicular migration was observed by dissection and the morphometry, location, and histology of the testes were analyzed. Statistical analysis using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilks test was performed to check the normality. To compare the right and left sides, Mann–Whitney U-test was used. Results: Testis developed in the posterior abdominal wall in 9-12 week of fetal gestational age. The same was found in the inguinal canal in the higher age fetuses. Our study found that the weight of the testis was proportional to the gestational age of the fetus. The location of the testis on both the sides was similar at each gestational age studied. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules was narrow and highly coiled between 24 and 32 weeks. Whereas, broader seminiferous tubules were observed in the fetuses of the third trimester of gestation. Furthermore, the tunica albuginea thickness was found to be increase in the fetuses between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. In full-term fetuses, the testis was observed in the scrotum. Conclusion: This study emphasizes certain nuances and developmental patterns noted during fetal testicular descent. It also provides insights into the fetal testicular descent and development revealed through morphometric and microscopic investigations.