American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test 2025 - Free Pathology Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most common cause of testicular torsion is indeed associated with an anatomical variation known as the Bell Clapper Deformity. This condition is characterized by an absence of normal anchorage of the testis to the scrotal wall, allowing the testis to be positioned in a horizontal (transverse) orientation rather than the typical vertical orientation. This positioning creates a predisposition to torsion because the testis can easily rotate around the spermatic cord, leading to compromised blood flow and potential testicular loss if not resolved promptly.

While other factors like the cremasteric reflex, trauma, and cryptorchidism can contribute to testicular torsion, they are not the primary etiological factors as the Bell Clapper Deformity is. The cremasteric reflex generally offers some protection against torsion, as the muscle contracts to elevate the testis in response to various stimuli. Trauma can lead to torsion, but it is not the most common cause; rather, it tends to be an incidental factor. Cryptorchidism, though associated with a higher risk for testicular issues, particularly torsion, is also not the most frequent primary cause, as many torsion cases occur in normally descended testes, particularly in the presence of a