Normal testicular descent and the aetiology of cryptorchidism

1 Introduction.- 2 Normal Testicular Descent.- 2.1 Two-Stage Hypothesis.- 2.2 Role of Mullerian Inhibiting Substance/Anti-Mullerian Hormone.- 2.3 Genitofemoral Nerve Hypothesis.- 2.4 Role of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide.- 2.5 Hypothesis to Explain Normal Testicular Descent.- 3 Cryptorchidism.- 3.1 Animal Models.- 3.2 Hypotheses of Aetiology.- 3.3 Recognizable Causes of Cryptorchidism.- 3.4 Congenital vs Acquired Cryptorchidism.- 3.5 Effects of Cryptorchidism.- 4 Management of Cryptorchidism.- 4.1 Rationale for Treatment and Its Timing.- 4.2 Surgical Treatment.- 4.3 Hormonal Treatment.- 4.4 Possible New Approaches to Treatment.- 5 Conclusions.- 6 References.- 7 Subject Index.