The spermatic cord is the cord-like structure in males formed by the
vas deferens
The vas deferens or ductus deferens is part of the male reproductive system of many vertebrates. The ducts transport sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts in anticipation of ejaculation. The vas deferens is a partially coiled t ...
(''ductus deferens'') and surrounding tissue that runs from the
deep inguinal ring down to each
testicle. Its
serosal covering, the
tunica vaginalis, is an extension of the
peritoneum
The peritoneum is the serous membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity or coelom in amniotes and some invertebrates, such as annelids. It covers most of the intra-abdominal (or coelomic) organs, and is composed of a layer of mesot ...
that passes through the
transversalis fascia. Each testicle develops in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region and migrates into the scrotum. During its descent it carries along with it the vas deferens, its vessels, nerves etc. There is one on each side.
Structure
The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:
* ''
external spermatic fascia'', an extension of the
innominate fascia
Innominate (from la, innominatus "nameless") may refer to:
*The brachiocephalic artery
*The brachiocephalic veins
*The three large bones which form the hip bone
*An innominate contract, Latin ''contractus innominatus''; in Roman law, a contract t ...
that overlies the
aponeurosis of the
external oblique muscle.
* ''
cremasteric muscle and fascia'', formed from a continuation of the
internal oblique muscle and its fascia.
* ''
internal spermatic fascia'', continuous with the
transversalis fascia.
The normal diameter of the spermatic cord is about 16 mm (range 11 to 22 mm). It is located behind the
tunica vaginalis.
Contents
Blood vessels
*
Testicular artery.
*
Artery to the ductus deferens.
*
Cremasteric artery.
Nerves
* Nerve to cremaster (
genital branch of the
genitofemoral nerve)
*Testicular nerves (
sympathetic nerves).
The
ilioinguinal nerve is not actually located inside the spermatic cord, but runs outside it in the
inguinal canal.
Other contents
*
Vas deferens
The vas deferens or ductus deferens is part of the male reproductive system of many vertebrates. The ducts transport sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts in anticipation of ejaculation. The vas deferens is a partially coiled t ...
.
*
Pampiniform plexus.
*
Lymphatic vessels.
The
tunica vaginalis is located in front of the spermatic cord, outside it.
Clinical significance
The spermatic cord is sensitive to
torsion, in which the testicle rotates within its sac and blocks its own blood supply.
Testicular torsion may result in irreversible damage to the testicle within hours. A collection of
serous fluid
In physiology, serous fluid or serosal fluid (originating from the Medieval Latin word ''serosus'', from Latin ''serum'') is any of various body fluids resembling serum, that are typically pale yellow or transparent and of a benign nature. The fl ...
in the spermatic cord is named 'funiculocele'.
The contents of the
abdominal cavity
The abdominal cavity is a large body cavity in humans and many other animals that contains many organs. It is a part of the abdominopelvic cavity. It is located below the thoracic cavity, and above the pelvic cavity. Its dome-shaped roof is th ...
may protrude into the inguinal canal, producing an
indirect inguinal hernia
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord are referred to as
varicocele. Though often asymptomatic, about one in four people with varicocele have negatively affected fertility.
Additional images
Image:Gray549.png, The left femoral triangle
Image:Gray1144.png, The scrotum.
Image:Gray1148.png, The right testis, exposed by laying open the tunica vaginalis
File:Spermatic cord 3.jpg, Spermatic cord
File:Slide1eee.JPG, Spermatic cord
File:Slide2por.JPG, Superficial veins oflower limb.Superficial dissection.Anterior view.
References
External links
* - "The inguinal canal and derivation of the layers of the spermatic cord."
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{{Authority control
Mammal male reproductive system