What is cryptorchidism?

Cryptorchidism refers specifically to a condition in which one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum. Normally, testicles develop in the abdomen and descend into the scrotal sac before or shortly after birth. When this process is interrupted, the testicle may remain in the abdominal cavity or in the inguinal canal. This condition can lead to various complications, including infertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer if not treated.

The other choices describe different aspects of reproductive health. Inflammation of the testicles is known as orchitis; a testicular tumor refers to abnormal growths in the testicle, and trauma to the testicles can refer to physical injuries which may cause pain or damage to the testicular tissue. None of these options accurately depict the specific definition of cryptorchidism, which is characterized by the failure of testicular descent. Thus, the answer that indicates the failure of testicle descent is the accurate representation of cryptorchidism.