Precursor Labioscrotal folds Latin Scrotum | ||
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Nerve Posterior scrotal nerves, Anterior scrotal nerves, genital branch of genitofemoral Nerve, perineal branches of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve Lymph superficial inguinal Lymph nodes | ||
The scrotum is an anatomical male reproductive structure that consists of a suspended dual-chambered sack of skin and smooth muscle that is present in most terrestrial male mammals and located under the penis. One testis is typically lower than the other, which functions to avoid compression in the event of impact. The perineal raphe is a small, vertical, slightly raised ridge of scrotal skin under which is found the Scrotal septum. It appears as a thin longitudinal line that runs front to back over the entire scrotum. The scrotum contains the external spermatic fascia, Testes, epididymis and ductus deferens. It is a distention of the perineum and carries some abdominal tissues into its cavity including the Testicular artery, Testicular vein and pampiniform plexus. In humans and some other mammals, the scrotum becomes covered with pubic hair at puberty. The scrotum will usually tighten during penile Erection and when exposed to cold temperature.
Contents
- Integument
- Lymphatic system
- Genital homology between sexes
- Asymmetry
- Scrotal growth and puberty
- Internal structure
- Function
- Clinical significance
- Diseases and conditions
- References
The scrotum is biologically homologous to the labia majora in females. Although present in most mammals, the external scrotum is absent in streamlined marine mammals, such as whales and seals, as well as in some lineages of land mammals, such as the afrotherians, xenarthrans, and numerous families of bats, rodents, and insectivores.
Integument
The skin on the scrotum is more highly pigmented compared to the rest of the body. The septum is a connective tissue membrane dividing the scrotum into two cavities.
Lymphatic system
The scrotum lymph drains initially into the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, this then drains into the deep inguinal lymph nodes. The deep inguinal lymph nodes drain into the common iliac which ultimately releases lymph into the cisterna chyli.
Genital homology between sexes
Male sex hormones are secreted by the Testes later in embryonic life to cause the development of secondary sex organs. The scrotum is developmentally homologous to the labia minora and labia majora. The raphe does not exist in females. Reproductive organs and tissues develop in females and males begin during the fifth week after fertilization. The gonadal ridge grows behind the peritoneal membrane. By the sixth week, string-like tissues called primary sex cords form within the enlarging gonadal ridge. Externally, a swelling called the genital tubercule appears over the cloacal membrane.
Up until the eighth week after fertilization, the reproductive organs do not appear to be different between the male and Female and are called in-differentiated. Testosterone secretion starts during week eight, reaches peak levels during week 13 and eventually declines to very low levels by the end of the second trimester. The testosterone causes the masculinization of the labioscrotal folds into the scrotum. The scrotal raphe is formed when the embryonic, urethral groove closes by week 12.
Asymmetry
One testis is typically lower than the other, which is believed to function to avoid compression in the event of impact; in humans, the left testis is typically lower than the right. An alternative view is that testis descent asymmetry evolved to enable more effective cooling of the testicles.
Scrotal growth and puberty
Though the testes and scrotum form early in embryonic life, sexual maturation begins upon entering puberty. The increased secretion of testosterone causes the darkening of the skin and development of Pubic hair on the scrotum.
Internal structure
Additional tissues and organs reside inside the scrotum and are described in more detail in the following articles:
Function
The scrotum regulates the temperature of the testes and maintains it at 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), i.e. two degrees below the body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Higher temperatures affect spermatogenesis Temperature control is accomplished by the smooth muscles of the scrotum moving the testicles either closer to or further away from the abdomen dependent upon the ambient temperature. This is accomplished by the Cremaster muscle in the abdomen and the Dartos fascia (muscular tissue under the skin).
Having the scrotum and testicles situated outside the abdominal cavity may provide additional advantages. The external scrotum is not affected by abdominal pressure. This may prevent the emptying of the testes before the sperm were matured sufficiently for fertilization. Another advantage is it protects the testes from jolts and compressions associated with an active lifestyle. Animals that have stately movements – such as elephants, whales, and marsupial moles – have Internal testes and no scrotum. Unlike placental mammals, male marsupials have a scrotum that is anterior to the Penis. In some Sex positions, such as doggystyle the scrotum may provide friction for the clitoris, and may subsequently serve as an impetus for sexual pleasure or Orgasm in the woman.
Clinical significance
A study has indicated that use of a laptop computer positioned on the lap can negatively affect sperm production.
Diseases and conditions
The scrotum and its contents can develop diseases or incur injuries. These include: