Cremasteric artery
(Redirected from External spermatic artery)
Cremasteric artery
The cremasteric artery is a significant arterial vessel that plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system, particularly in the function and support of the testes. Originating from the inferior epigastric artery, a branch of the external iliac artery, it is a key component in the blood supply to the cremaster muscle, the testicular coverings, and, to a lesser extent, the testis and epididymis. This artery is noteworthy for its involvement in the cremasteric reflex, a protective mechanism that controls the position of the testes in response to temperature changes or physical stimulation.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The cremasteric artery branches off from the inferior epigastric artery, which itself is a branch of the external iliac artery. After its origin, it descends towards the inguinal canal, accompanying the spermatic cord in males or the round ligament of the uterus in females, providing blood supply to the surrounding structures. In its course, it anastomoses with the artery of the ductus deferens and the testicular artery, ensuring a rich blood supply to the testes and its coverings.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the cremasteric artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the cremaster muscle, an essential component of the spermatic cord. The cremaster muscle is responsible for raising and lowering the testes, a mechanism crucial for maintaining optimal testicular temperature for spermatogenesis. The artery also plays a role in supplying blood to the fascial layers surrounding the testis, contributing to the overall health and functionality of the male reproductive organs.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
The cremasteric artery is involved in several clinical conditions and surgical procedures. Its role is particularly noted in the context of testicular torsion, a medical emergency where the blood supply to the testis is compromised. Understanding the anatomy and function of the cremasteric artery is crucial in surgical interventions such as hernia repairs and varicocelectomy, where inadvertent damage to this artery can lead to complications such as testicular atrophy or chronic pain.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This anatomy article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
