Spermatic

Spermatic cord

The spermatic cord is a component of the male reproductive system, which extends from the abdominal inguinal ring down to the testis. It is made up of the vas deferens, testicular artery, pampiniform plexus, and other structures.

Structure

The spermatic cord is covered by three layers of tissue: the external spermatic fascia, the cremasteric fascia, and the internal spermatic fascia. These layers are continuous with the layers of the anterior abdominal wall.

Contents

The spermatic cord contains several important structures:

• The vas deferens, which carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
• The testicular artery, which supplies blood to the testis and epididymis.
• The pampiniform plexus, a network of veins that helps to cool the arterial blood before it reaches the testis.
• The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, which provides sensory innervation to the skin of the scrotum and motor innervation to the cremaster muscle.
• Lymphatic vessels, which drain lymph from the testis and epididymis.
• The processus vaginalis, a remnant of the peritoneal sac in fetal development.

Clinical significance

Injury to the spermatic cord can cause severe pain and potentially lead to testicular torsion, a medical emergency. Other conditions that can affect the spermatic cord include varicocele, hydrocele, and indirect inguinal hernia.

See also

• Male reproductive system
• Testis
• Scrotum