Spermatic cord
Encyclopedia
The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the ductus deferens and surrounding tissue that run from the abdomen
down to each testicle
.
The pampiniform plexus, testicular artery, artery of the ductus deferens, lymphatic vessels, testicular nerves, and ductus deferens all run deep to the internal spermatic fascia. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, cremasteric artery, and ilioinguinal nerve all run on the superficial surface of the external spermatic fascia.
, in which the testicle rotates within its sac and kinks off its own blood supply. Testicular torsion
may result in irreversible damage to the testicle within hours.
The contents of the abdominal cavity
may protrude into the spermatic cord, producing an indirect inguinal hernia
.
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
down to each testicle
Testicle
The testicle is the male gonad in animals. Like the ovaries to which they are homologous, testes are components of both the reproductive system and the endocrine system...
.
Contents of spermatic cord
- arteries: testicular arteryTesticular arteryThe testicular artery is a branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies blood to the testis. It is a paired artery, with one for each of the testes....
, deferential artery, cremasteric arteryCremasteric arteryThe cremasteric artery is a branch of the Inferior epigastric artery which accompanies the spermatic cord, and supplies the Cremaster and other coverings of the cord, anastomosing with the testicular artery .... - nerves: nerve to cremasterCremaster muscle-Contraction:Its function is to raise and lower the testes in order to regulate the temperature of the testes and promote spermatogenesis. Contraction may also occur during arousal which can prevent injury to the testicles during sex....
(genital branchGenital branch of genitofemoral nerveThe genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve arises from the ventral primary divisions of L1 and L2 spinal nerve roots, passes outward on the Psoas major, and pierces the fascia transversalis, or passes through the deep inguinal ring; it then descends behind the spermatic cord to the scrotum,...
of the genitofemoral nerveGenitofemoral nerveIn human anatomy, the genitofemoral nerve originates from the upper part of the lumbar plexus of spinal nerves. Its roots are L1 and L2 .The genitofemoral nerve is responsible for both the efferent and afferent limbs of the cremasteric reflex...
), testicular nerves (sympatheticSympathetic nervous systemThe sympathetic nervous system is one of the three parts of the autonomic nervous system, along with the enteric and parasympathetic systems. Its general action is to mobilize the body's nervous system fight-or-flight response...
nerves) - vas deferensVas deferensThe vas deferens , also called ductus deferens, , is part of the male anatomy of many vertebrates; they transport sperm from the epididymis in anticipation of ejaculation....
(ductus deferens) - pampiniform plexus
- lymphatic vessels
- tunica vaginalisTunica vaginalisThe tunica vaginalis is the serous covering of the testis.It is a pouch of serous membrane, derived from the processus vaginalis of the peritoneum, which in the fetus preceded the descent of the testis from the abdomen into the scrotum....
(remains of the processus vaginalisProcessus vaginalisThe processus vaginalis is an embryonic developmental outpouching of the peritoneum.It is present from around the 12th week of gestation, and commences as a peritoneal outpouching.-Gender differences:...
)
The pampiniform plexus, testicular artery, artery of the ductus deferens, lymphatic vessels, testicular nerves, and ductus deferens all run deep to the internal spermatic fascia. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, cremasteric artery, and ilioinguinal nerve all run on the superficial surface of the external spermatic fascia.
Coverings
The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:- external spermatic fasciaExternal spermatic fasciaThe external spermatic fascia is a thin membrane, prolonged downward around the surface of the spermatic cord and testis. It is separated from the dartos tunic by loose areolar tissue...
, an extension of the innominate fascia that overlies the aponeurosisAponeurosisAponeuroses are layers of flat broad tendons. They have a shiny, whitish-silvery color, are histologically similar to tendons, and are very sparingly supplied with blood vessels and nerves. When dissected, aponeuroses are papery, and peel off by sections...
of the external oblique muscle - cremasteric muscle and fascia, formed from a continuation of the internal oblique muscle and its fascia
- internal spermatic fasciaInternal spermatic fasciaThe internal spermatic fascia is a thin layer, which loosely invests the cord; it is a continuation downward of the transversalis fascia....
, continuous with the transversalis fasciaTransversalis fasciaThe transversalis fascia is a thin aponeurotic membrane which lies between the inner surface of the Transversus abdominis and the extraperitoneal fascia....
Clinical significance
The spermatic cord is sensitive to torsionTorque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
, in which the testicle rotates within its sac and kinks off its own blood supply. Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion is when the spermatic cord to a testicle twists, cutting off the blood supply. The most common symptom is acute testicular pain and the most common underlying cause is a congenital malformation known as a "bell-clapper deformity". The diagnosis is often made clinically but if it...
may result in irreversible damage to the testicle within hours.
The contents of the abdominal cavity
Abdominal cavity
The abdominal cavity is the body cavity of the human body that holds the bulk of the viscera. It is located below the thoracic cavity, and above the pelvic cavity. Its dome-shaped roof is the thoracic diaphragm , and its oblique floor is the pelvic inlet...
may protrude into the spermatic cord, producing an indirect inguinal hernia
Indirect inguinal hernia
An indirect inguinal hernia is an inguinal hernia that results from the failure of embryonic closure of the deep inguinal ring after the testicle has passed through it. Like other inguinal hernias, it protrudes through the superficial inguinal ring...
.