Anatomy and Pathology of the Scrotum

This set of flashcards includes important terms and definitions related to the anatomy and pathology of the scrotum, focusing on key structures, conditions, and diagnostic techniques.

Scrotum

An external pouch that contains the testis.

Testis

Symmetric, oval-shaped glands residing in the scrotum.

Seminiferous tubules

Conical lobules within the testis that produce sperm.

Rete testis

The network formed by converging seminiferous tubules in the mediastinum.

Epididymis

A 6- to 7-cm tubular structure that stores sperm.

Ductus epididymis

The single duct formed from the convergence of efferent ductules.

Vas deferens

Continuation of the ductus epididymis, leading to the ejaculatory duct.

Tunica albuginea

Dense, fibrous tissue covering the testis.

Mediastinum testis

Vertical septum formed by tunica albuginea within the testis.

Tunica vaginalis

The serous membrane covering the testis, consisting of parietal and visceral layers.

Hydrocele

Fluid accumulation in the tunica vaginalis.

Efferent ductules

Small ducts that connect rete testis to epididymis.

Cremasteric artery

Artery that supplies the cremaster muscle, branching from the inferior epigastric artery.

Pampiniform plexus

A network of veins that drains the testes.

Varicocele

Abnormal dilation of veins in the pampiniform plexus.

Cryptorchidism

Condition where one or both testes fail to descend into scrotum.

Epididymo-orchitis

Infection of both epididymis and testis.

Testicular torsion

Twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the testis.

Choriocarcinoma

Highly malignant tumor that arises from germ cells.

Germ cell tumors

Most common type of testicular cancer, primarily affecting young men.

Anorchia

Absence of one or both testes.

Polyorchidism

Rare condition involving the presence of more than two testes.

Microlithiasis

Presence of small calcifications within the testis, sometimes associated with malignancy.

Spermatocele

Cystic dilation of the epididymal duct containing sperm.

Hematocele

Blood accumulation in the tunica vaginalis.

Pyocele

Pus-filled cavity in the tunica vaginalis.

Testicular artery

Artery supplying blood to the testes, arising from the abdominal aorta.

Centripetal arteries

Arteries that supply the testis and form from capsular arteries.

Recurrent rami

Arteries that curve back toward the mediastinum testis.

Tunica vaginalis layers

Includes parietal layer (lining the scrotum) and visceral layer (surrounding testis).

Inguinal canal

Pathway through which testes descend into the scrotum.

Spermatic cord

Bundle of structures that includes the vas deferens and blood vessels to the testis.

Epididymal head

Largest part of the epididymis, located superior to the testis.

Epididymal body

Section of the epididymis that is smaller than the head.

Epididymal tail

Slightly larger part of the epididymis located posterior to the lower pole of the testis.

Cyst

Fluid-filled sac located within or around the testis.

Benign testicular masses

Non-cancerous lumps found in or around the testis.

Malignant testicular masses

Cancerous growths that can occur in the testis.

Hydrocele sonography

Ultrasound appearance of fluid-filled sac around the testis.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels.

Sonographic findings

Results obtained from ultrasound imaging.

Acute scrotum

Medical emergency involving sudden onset of scrotal pain and swelling.

Scrotal pathology

Study of diseases and abnormalities associated with the scrotum.

Vasectomy

Surgical procedure for male sterilization involving cutting of the vas deferens.

Testicular malignancy

Cancerous growth occurring in the testis.

Anechoic

Appearance of fluid that shows no echoes on ultrasound.

Hypoechoic

Appearance of tissue that produces fewer echoes on ultrasound.

Hyperemic flow

Increased blood flow often seen in inflamed tissues.

Torsion symptoms

Sudden scrotal pain with swelling indicating possible testicular torsion.

Echogenic

Appearance of material that produces echoes on ultrasound.

Testicular atrophy

Decrease in size of the testis.

Intratesticular

Located within the testis.

Extratesticular

Located outside the testis.

Scrotal swelling

Excess fluid or tissue buildup causing enlargement of the scrotum.

Sonographer tips

Advice for ultrasound operators for better clinical examination.

Epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis, often causing pain.

Neoplasm

An abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign or malignant.

Urinary tract infection

Infection affecting the urinary system, which can spread to the epididymis.

Inguinal hernia

Protrusion of abdominal contents through the inguinal canal.

Trauma assessment

Evaluation of injury to the scrotum or testes.

Scrotal examination position

Patient positioning for optimal scrotal ultrasound.

Valsalva maneuver

Techniques used in scrotal ultrasound for evaluating varicocele.

Bilateral condition

A condition affecting both sides.

Undescended testis

Testis that has not moved to its correct position in the scrotum.

Spermatogenic tissue

Tissue responsible for producing sperm.

Prepubertal boys

Boys who have not yet reached puberty and may have different testicular pathology considerations.

Ectopic testicle

A testis that is not located in the normal scrotal position.