What is the medical term for undescended testicles?

• A. Cryptorchidism
• B. Varicocele
• C. Hydrocele
• D. Orchitis

Answer: (A)

Undescended testicles are called cryptorchidism. The term comes from Greek roots: cryptos meaning hidden and orchid/orchid- referring to the testicle. It describes a situation where one or both testes don’t descend into the scrotum as they normally should during fetal development or early infancy.

Understanding this helps you remember why the term fits: the key idea is that the testicle is hidden from its usual place in the scrotum. Normally, testes form in the abdomen and migrate downward; when descent doesn’t occur, the testicle can remain in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal. This condition is important to recognize because it can affect fertility later on and slightly raise the risk of testicular problems if not addressed. Many instances resolve on their own in the first months of life, but if descent hasn’t happened by around six to twelve months, doctors often consider treatment such as orchiopexy to move the testicle into the scrotum, sometimes with hormonal therapy as an option in certain cases.

The other terms describe different conditions: a varicocele is enlarged veins in the scrotum, a hydrocele is fluid around the testicle causing swelling, and orchitis is inflammation of the testicle.