Atrophy of Testes

Testes may undergo atrophy, i.e. shrinkage in size of cells by loss of cell substance.

Causes:

1. Progressive atherosclerotic narrowing of blood vessels
2. Undescended testes
3. Exposure to radiation
4. Exhaustion atrophy due to increased levels of FSH hormone.

Morphology

Gross

Tests appear small in size and firm in consistency due to fibrotic changes.

Microscopic

There is an arrest in development of germ cells associated with marked hyalinization and thickening of basement membrane of spermatic tubule. Tubules appear as dense cords of hyaline membrane outlined by prominent basement membrane. There is concomitant increase in interstitial stroma because Leydig cells are spared, as a result they appear prominent.

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