Chapter 3 • Abdomen, Pelvis, and Perineum
Complete androgen insensitivity (CAIS, ortesticularfeminization syndrome)
•Occurs when a fetus with a 46,)CY genotype develops testes and female external genitalia with a rudimentary vagina; the uterus and uterine tubes are generally absent
•Testes may be found in the labia majora and are surgically removed to circumvent malignant tumor formation.
•Individuals present as normal-appearing females, and their psychosocial(AR) orientation is female despite their genotype.
Most common cause is a mutation in the androgen receptor gene AR inactive.• that renders the
Abnormalities ofthe Penis and Testis
Hypospadias
•Occurs when the urethral folds fail to fuse completely, resulting in the external urethral orifice opening onto the ventral surface of the penis.
•Generally associated with a poorly developed penis that curves ventrally, known as chordee.
Epispadias
•Occurs when the external urethral orifice opens onto the dorsal surface of the penis.
•Generally associated with exstrophy of the bladder.
Undescendedtestes (cryptorchidism)
Occurs when the testes fail to descend into the scrotum. Normally occurs within 3 months after birth.
•Bilateral cryptorchidism results in sterility.
•The undescended testes may be found in the abdominal cavity or in the inguinal canal.
Hydrocele ofthe testes
Occurs when a small patency of the processus vaginalis remains so that perito neal fluid can flow into the processus vaginalis. Results in a fluid-filled cyst near the testes.
