When do the testes begin to descend?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: in the fifth month of pregnancy. The testes begin to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum during the fifth month of pregnancy. This process is crucial for proper development and function of the testes. Descending at this stage allows for the testes to be positioned outside the body, which is essential for sperm production as it requires a slightly lower temperature than the internal body temperature.
Summary:
A: at birth - Incorrect, as the descent of the testes occurs during fetal development, not at birth.
B: two months after birth - Incorrect, as the descent happens during pregnancy, not after birth.
C: two months prior to birth - Incorrect, as the descent occurs during pregnancy, not prior to birth.