Microorchidism is a
genetic disorder
A genetic disorder is a health problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome. It can be caused by a mutation in a single gene (monogenic) or multiple genes (polygenic) or by a chromosomal abnormality. Although polygenic disorders ...
found in males, characterized by abnormally small
testes
A testicle or testis (plural testes) is the male reproductive gland or gonad in all bilaterians, including humans. It is homologous to the female ovary. The functions of the testes are to produce both sperm and androgens, primarily testoster ...
; it is the opposite of
macroorchidism
Macroorchidism is a disorder found in males, specifically in children, where a subject has abnormally large testes. The condition is commonly inherited in connection with fragile X syndrome (FXS), which is also the second most common genetic cau ...
, which is characterized by abnormally large testes. The condition is associated with (and often secondary to) a number of other genetic disorders, including
Klinefelter's Syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also known as 47,XXY, is an aneuploid genetic condition where a male has an additional copy of the X chromosome. The primary features are infertility and small, poorly functioning testicles. Usually, symptoms are subt ...
and
Prader-Willi syndrome, as well as other multiple malformation disorders. The degree of abnormality (or otherwise) of the testes can be determined by the use of an
orchidometer
An orchidometer (or orchiometer) is a medical instrument used to measure the volume of the testicles.
The orchidometer was introduced in 1966 by Swiss pediatric endocrinologist Andrea Prader of the University of Zurich. It consists of a string of ...
. In addition, Microorchidism may also occur as a result of shrinkage or
atrophy
Atrophy is the partial or complete wasting away of a part of the body. Causes of atrophy include mutations (which can destroy the gene to build up the organ), poor nourishment, poor circulation, loss of hormonal support, loss of nerve supply t ...
of the testis due to infections like
mumps
MUMPS ("Massachusetts General Hospital Utility Multi-Programming System"), or M, is an imperative, high-level programming language with an integrated transaction processing key–value database. It was originally developed at Massachusetts Gener ...
.
It is distinct from
testicular atrophy
Testicular atrophy is a medical condition in which one or both testicles (or "testes") diminish in size and may be accompanied by reduced testicular function. Testicular atrophy is not related to the temporary shrinkage of the surrounding scrotum, ...
caused as a result of hormone therapy or injury.
See also
*
Endocrine system
The endocrine system is a messenger system comprising feedback loops of the hormones released by internal glands of an organism directly into the circulatory system, regulating distant target organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the neu ...
*
Orchitis
Orchitis is inflammation of the testes. It can also involve swelling, pains and frequent infection, particularly of the epididymis, as in epididymitis. The term is from the Ancient Greek ὄρχις meaning "testicle"; same root as ''orchid''.
S ...
References
Congenital disorders of male genital organs
Genetic disorders with no OMIM
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