Testicle descent in horses
Keywords: testicle, cryptorchid, stallion, anatomy
The testicle in an equine conceptus of approximately 6 months duration, viewed from the right flank, looking caudally.
Image size: 2524 x 2191px
This illustrates the large size of the testicle, relatively speaking. At this stage of pregnancy it is too large to descend into the vaginal cavity. Through a complex interaction of gubernacular contraction, relative lengthening of the torso and abdominal pressure, the testicle enters the scrotum. In horses, this occurs shortly before birth. At birth, normal colts should have both testicles present in the scrotum.
