Choice A rationale:

Hormonal imbalances in the testicular veins.

This choice is not the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying varicocele.

While hormonal imbalances can contribute to various reproductive issues, they are not the primary cause of varicocele.

Varicocele is primarily a vascular disorder involving the dilation of scrotal veins.

Choice B rationale:

Mutations in the KIT gene leading to tissue growth.

Mutations in the KIT gene are not associated with varicocele.

Varicocele is mainly related to venous dilation, not tissue growth due to genetic mutations.

Choice C rationale:

Dilation of scrotal veins due to faulty valves.

This is the correct answer.

Varicocele occurs when the valves within the testicular veins fail to function correctly, leading to the dilation and enlargement of these veins.

This increased pressure in the veins can result in scrotal pain and other symptoms commonly associated with varicocele.

Choice D rationale:

Obstruction of the spermatic cord blood flow.

While varicocele can affect blood flow in the spermatic cord, it is not primarily caused by the obstruction of blood flow.

The main issue is the faulty valves in the scrotal veins that lead to venous dilation and increased pressure.