What condition results from the failure of urethral folds to close?

The condition that results from the failure of the urethral folds to close is known as hypospadias. This congenital anomaly occurs when the urethra does not fully develop, leading to an abnormal opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis, rather than at the tip.

In normal development, the urethral folds fuse together to form the penile urethra. If this fusion is incomplete, it leads to the formation of a hypospadias. This can manifest in various forms, depending on the location of the abnormal opening, which can range from just below the tip of the glans penis to further down the shaft or even at the base of the penis.

Understanding the mechanisms of urethral development is crucial in recognizing how interruptions in this process can lead to specific pathologies like hypospadias. This condition is significant in pediatric urology and is often addressed surgically if it results in functional or cosmetic concerns for the patient.

Other conditions listed, such as epispadias, bladder exstrophy, and cryptorchidism, have different etiologies and manifestations that are not directly related to the failure of urethral folds to close.