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 chromosome abnormality. Although polygenic disorders ...

found in males, characterized by abnormally small

testicles A testicle or testis ( testes) is the gonad in all male bilaterians, including humans, and is homologous to the ovary in females. Its primary functions are the production of sperm and the secretion of androgens, primarily testosterone. The ...

; it is the opposite of

macroorchidism Macroorchidism is a Genetic disorder, disorder found in males, specifically in children, where a subject has abnormally large testes. The Medical condition, condition is commonly genetics, inherited in connection with fragile X syndrome, fragile X ...

, which is characterized by abnormally large testicles. The condition is associated with (and often secondary to) a number of other genetic disorders, including

Klinefelter syndrome Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also known as 47,XXY, is a chromosome anomaly where a male has an extra X chromosome. These complications commonly include infertility and small, poorly functioning testicles (if present). These symptoms are often n ...

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. Instrument The orchidometer was introduced in 1966 by Swiss pediatric endocrinologist Andrea Prader of the University of Zurich. Page 16in: ...

. 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), malnutrition, poor nourishment, poor circulatory system, circulation, loss of hormone, ...

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 Gen ...

. It is distinct from testicular atrophy caused as a result of hormone therapy or injury.

References

Congenital disorders of male genital organs Genetic disorders with no OMIM {{genetic-disorder-stub

See also

References