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Spermatic Cord and Scrotum
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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.
The dartos muscle contracts when cold to wrinkle and thicken the skin, which helps to reduce heat loss.
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.

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