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Spermatic Cord and Scrotum
Spermatic cord
- Passes through the inguinal canal, which is an oblique passageway in the anterior abdominal wall.
- Comprises blood vessels, nerves, the ductus deferens, and several layers of tissue that collectively suspend the testes within the scrotum.
- Prior to testicular descent, the spermatic cord develops as an outpocket of the anterior abdominal wall; thus, its three coverings are derived from the fascial layers of the anterior abdominal wall.
Spermatic Cord Layers:
- Internal spermatic fascia, which is derived from the transversalis fascia of the anterior abdominal wall.
- Cremasteric fascia with muscle fibers, which is derived from the internal oblique fascia and muscle.
- External spermatic fascia, which is derived from the external oblique fascia/aponeurosis.
Scrotum
- A cutaneous sac that holds the testes.
- Dartos fascia and muscle is the inner layer, gives rise to scrotal septum, which separates testes within scrotum.
- Skin is outermost layer of scrotum.
Clinical correlation:
Torsion of the spermatic cord (aka, testicular torsion) can disrupt blood supply to the testis and cause necrosis; twisting can occur because of defects in the supporting connective tissues.