Lecture 18: Spermatic Cord and Testes

What is the inguinal canal?

1. oblique pathway approx 4cm long 

2. directed inferomedially though the inferior aspect of the AL wall

3. medial ½ of inguinal ligament 

4. results from relocation testies during fetal development 

   

What must be reflected to see the inguinal canal?

1. external obliques

2. internal obliques

   

What is the deep inguinal ring?

entrance to inguinal canal

What is the superficial inguinal ring?

exit of inguinal canal

What are the contents of the inguinal canal?

1. spermatic cord in males 

2. round ligament of uterus in females

What are the occupants of the spermatic cord?

1. testicular artery

2. paminiform plexus of veins → Network of veins that become the testicular vein higher up which goes into the inferior vena cava.

3. Ductus deferens (vas deferens) → Carry sperm from testicles (forms) and epididymis (stores)

What do the testes do?

form sperm

What does the epididymis do?

stores sperm

What does the scrotum do?

covers the testes

Where do the fascial coverings of the spermatic cord and testes come from?

Fascial Coverings of Spermatic Cord and Testis Derived from Anterolateral Abdominal Wall During Prenatal Relocation of Testis

Layers of Anterolateral Abdominal Wall In Inguinal Region

How do the testis descend?

What is the gubernaculum?

Fibrous cord that helps with the descent of the testies

What is the processes vaginalis?

1. Outpouching of Parietal Peritoneum

2. The most distal portion of the processus vaginalis remains in place, forming the tunica vaginalis.

What are the coverings of the spermatic cord and testicle?

1. external spermatic fascia → aponeurosis of external oblique muscle

2. Cremasteric fascia → internal oblique muscle 

3. Internal Spermatic Fascia → Fascia Transversalis

What is the tunica vaginalis?

• The testis descends through the processus vaginalis (an outpouching of peritoneum).

• After the testis arrives in the scrotum:

  • the upper part of the processus vaginalis closes

  • the lower part becomes the tunica vaginalis

    

What are the fascial coverings associated with the testicle and tunica vaginalis?

What is Cremaster muscle?

a muscle derived from the internal oblique that elevates the testis for temperature control and protection.