Appendix of testis
The appendix testis (or hydatid of Morgagni) is a vestigial remnant of the Müllerian duct, present on the upper pole of the testis and attached to the tunica vaginalis. It is present about 90% of the time.
Appendix of testis | |
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![]() The right testis, exposed by laying open the tunica vaginalis (appendix of testis is labeled at right) | |
Details | |
Precursor | Müllerian duct |
Identifiers | |
Latin | Appendix testis |
TA | A09.3.02.010 |
Anatomical terminology |
![](../I/m/Ultrasonography_of_an_appendix_on_a_testicle_in_a_hydrocele.jpg)
Clinical significance
Torsion
The appendix of testis can, occasionally, undergo torsion (i.e. become twisted), causing acute one-sided testicular pain and may require surgical excision to achieve relief. One third of patients present with a palpable "blue dot" discoloration on the scrotum. This is nearly diagnostic of this condition. If clinical suspicion is high for the serious differential diagnosis of testicular torsion, a surgical exploration of the scrotum is warranted. Torsion of the appendix of testis occurs at ages 0-15 years, with a mean at 10 years, which is similar to that of testicular torsion.[1]
See also
References
- Jason S Chang. "Torsion of the Appendices and Epididymis". Medscape. Updated: Oct 20, 2016. Citing:
Nason, Gregory J; Tareen, Farhan; McLoughlin, Danielle; McDowell, Dermot; Cianci, Fiona; Mortell, Alan (2013). "Scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain: A 10-year experience in two tertiary referral paediatric units". Scandinavian Journal of Urology. 47 (5): 418–422. doi:10.3109/00365599.2012.752403. ISSN 2168-1805.