Cytological techniques have greatly improved in the last twenty years, largely as a result of further development of the microscope. Electron microscopy, in particular, has opened up great prospects for the study of cell morphology, while the develop ment of radio-immuno-assay has brought great progress in endocrinology. The applica tion

Ferment, a sign of progress in any scientific field, has previously been lacking in the area of cryptorchidism, where the only activity has been in improving operative methods. Now, however, profound changes in the care of boys with cryptorchidism are being brought about; ideas are arising from a fresh look

Cryptorchidism is a congenital condition in which one or both testicles are not appropriately positioned in the scrotum at birth and cannot be moved into the proper position manually. The term “cryptorchidism” literally means “hidden testicle” and is often used interchangeably with the term “undescended testicle.” It affects an estimated

This review describes recent research into the cause of testicular descent and discusses two controversial theories on the mechanism. New animal models of cryptorchidism are described which shed light on the possible aetiology. A brief summary is given of current management, highlighting the controversies of timing of surgery, use of

Ferment, a sign of progress in any scientific field, has previously been lacking in the area of cryptorchidism, where the only activity has been in improving operative methods. Now, however, profound changes in the care of boys with cryptorchidism are being brought about; ideas are arising from a fresh look