Which statement best defines a hydrocele?

• A. A collection of fluid between the testicular and scrotal layers of the tunica vaginalis
• B. A cyst located between the testis and epididymis that is filled with fluid and sperm
• C. Inflammation of the glans penis
• D. A congenital condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum

Answer: (A)

Hydrocele is a fluid collection that forms in the potential space between the visceral and parietal layers of the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testicle. This causes scrotal swelling that is typically painless and may transilluminate, since the fluid is serous.

This explanation fits best because the defining feature is the location of the fluid within the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testis. A cyst between the testis and epididymis filled with fluid and sperm describes a spermatocele, not a hydrocele. Inflammation of the glans penis is balanitis, and a congenital failure of testicular descent is cryptorchidism.