Embryology of the testicular descent

Numerous researchers studied the morphology of the testicular descent, including the possible function of the gubernaculum. However, a clear illustration of this process is still missing. The aim of this paper was to illustrate the embryology of the testicular descent in the rat by scanning electron microscopy. In a first phase of the intra-abdominal testicular descent, the testis moves actively from the lower pole of the kidney towards the bladder neck. In a second inguinal phase the testis enters groin and moves in the developing processus vaginalis peritonei caused by the disappearance of the bulb of the gubernaculums testis.