Dartos

Dartos is a smooth muscle layer found in the skin of the scrotum, the sac that houses the testicles in male mammals. It is responsible for the wrinkling of the scrotal surface.

Function

The primary function of the dartos muscle is to regulate the temperature of the testicles, which promotes optimal sperm production. It does this by altering the position of the testicles within the scrotum. In cold conditions, the dartos muscle contracts, causing the skin of the scrotum to wrinkle and the testicles to move closer to the body for warmth. In warm conditions, the dartos muscle relaxes, allowing the testicles to hang further from the body to cool down.

Structure

The dartos muscle is a layer of smooth muscle fibers in the subcutaneous tissue of the scrotum. It is continuous with the Colles' fascia of the perineum and the Scarpa's fascia of the lower abdominal wall. The muscle fibers of the dartos muscle are not arranged in a specific pattern, which allows for the wide range of movement and flexibility of the scrotum.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the dartos muscle can affect the temperature regulation of the testicles, which can lead to impaired sperm production and potential fertility issues. Conditions such as cryptorchidism, where one or both of the testes fail to descend, can be related to issues with the dartos muscle.

See also

• Scrotum
• Testicles
• Sperm production
• Cryptorchidism

References

Dartos Resources
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