Malformations and anomalies

The gonads

Gonadal dysgenesis: If primordial germ cells are missing, the ovaries fail to organize and differentiate properly. Lines of follicle cells and streaks of connective tissue only will result (streak gonad). This results in a female phenotype.
Cryptorchism: During the descent of the gonads, one or both testes may remain in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal.
Ectopia: The gonads have gone the wrong way during descent and have reached an abnormal site (for example, the thigh or the pubic region).
Congenital indirect hernia: The evagination of the peritoneum into the scrotal sack (processus vaginalis testis) usually obliterates. If the channel between the peritoneal cavity and the cavum peritonei testis does not close, intestinal loops can protrude into the scrotal sack through the inguinal canal.
Cysts can form along the former processus vaginalis testis if the canal does not close completely. A hydrocele occurs if fluid is secreted into the processus vaginalis.