Rahul Sharma (Editor)

Spermatic cord

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Latin
  
Funiculus spermaticus

MeSH
  
A05.360.444.777

Spermatic cord

The spermatic cord is the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens (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 that passes through the transversalis fascia.

Contents

Structure

The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:

  • external spermatic fascia, an extension of the innominate fascia 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
  • Contents

  • Arteries: testicular artery, deferential artery, cremasteric artery
  • Nerves: nerve to cremaster (genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve) and testicular nerves (sympathetic nerves). It is worth noting that the ilio-inguinal nerve is not actually located inside the spermatic cord, but runs along the outside of it, in the inguinal canal.
  • Vas deferens (ductus deferens)
  • Pampiniform plexus
  • Lymphatic vessels
  • Tunica vaginalis (remains of the processus vaginalis)
  • The pampiniform plexus, testicular artery, cremasteric artery, artery of the ductus deferens, lymphatic vessels, testicular sympathetic nerves, and ductus deferens all run deep to the internal spermatic fascia. The ilioinguinal nerve runs on the superficial surface of the external spermatic fascia.

    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 the spermatic cord is named 'funiculocele'.

    The contents of the abdominal cavity 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.

    References

    Spermatic cord Wikipedia


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