Anorchia

/ænˈɔrkiə/ noun

Definition

A congenital or acquired medical condition in which one or both testicles are missing or fail to develop properly, leading to reduced testosterone production.

Etymology

From Greek 'an-' (without) + 'orchis' (testicle), literally 'without testicles.' This medical term emerged in 19th-century clinical medicine to classify reproductive disorders.

Kelly Says

Anorchia is rarer than cryptorchidism (where testicles fail to descend), and its consequences depend on whether one or both are absent—one testicle can usually produce enough testosterone, but two affects sexual development! This condition shows how Greek medical terminology lets doctors be specific about which body parts are affected.

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