Cremaster

Cremaster is a muscle that covers the testicles, including the spermatic cord. It is involved in the control of testicular temperature and is responsible for raising and lowering the testicles in response to temperature changes.

Anatomy

The cremaster muscle originates from the internal oblique muscle and the inguinal ligament. It is a thin layer of skeletal muscle found in the inguinal canal and scrotum between the external and internal layers of spermatic fascia, surrounding the testis and spermatic cord.

Function

The primary function of the cremaster muscle is to control the position of the testicles. It contracts to pull the testicles closer to the body when they are cold, and relaxes to let them hang further from the body when they are warm. This helps to regulate the temperature of the testicles, which is necessary for normal sperm production and survival.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the cremaster muscle can lead to conditions such as cremasteric reflex abnormalities, inguinal hernia, and testicular torsion.

See also

• Spermatic cord
• Inguinal canal
• Testicle