Appendix testis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Appendix testis | |
|---|---|
| The right testis, exposed by laying open the tunica vaginalis. | |
| Latin | appendix testis |
| Gray's | subject #258 1242 |
| Precursor | Müllerian duct |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | a_54/12147714 |
The appendix testis (or Hydatid of Morgagni) is a vestigial remnant of the Müllerian duct present on on the upper testis attached to the tunica vaginalis, on the the upper pole of the testis. It is present about 90% of the time.
It is a vestigial organ whose embryonic origin is obscure and whose original function is wholly unknown.
[edit] Clinical significance
It frequently has no clinical significance, but it can be medically significant in that it can, rarely, undergo torsion (i.e. become twisted), causing acute one-sided testicular pain and requiring surgical excision to achieve relief.
Occasionally a torsion of the hydatid of Morgagni can produce symptoms mimicking those created by a testicular torsion; a torsion of the hydatid, however, does not lead to any impairement of testicular function.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
| Male reproductive system |
|---|
| Scrotum : layers (skin, Dartos, External spermatic fascia, Cremaster, Internal spermatic fascia) | Perineal raphe | Spermatic cord
Testes: layers (Tunica vaginalis, Tunica albuginea), Appendix, Mediastinum, Lobules, Septa, Leydig cell, Sertoli cell, Blood-testis barrier Spermatogenesis: Spermatogonium, Spermatocyte, Spermatid, Spermatozoon seminal tract: Seminiferous tubules (Tubuli seminiferi recti, Rete testis, Efferent ducts) | Epididymis (Appendix) | Vas deferens | Ejaculatory duct Seminal colliculus urinary tract: Internal urethral orifice | Urethra (Prostatic, Intermediate, Spongy) | Urethral crest | Urethral gland | External urethral orifice Penis: Corpus cavernosum | Corpus spongiosum | Navicular fossa of male urethra | Glans penis | Fundiform ligament | Suspensory ligament | Foreskin | Frenulum accessory glands: Seminal vesicles (Excretory duct of seminal gland) | Prostate (Prostatic utricle, Prostatic sinus) | Bulbourethral glands |


