DMS Study Guide for Scrotum/Prostate

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering scrotal and prostate anatomy, vascular supply, and various pathologies as described in the lecture guide.

Testicular Arteries

Primary vascular sources that arise from the abdominal aorta just below the level of the renal arteries.

Right Testicular Vein

A vessel that drains directly into the IVC (Inferior Vena Cava).

Left Testicular Vein

A vessel that joins the LRV (Left Renal Vein).

Rete Testis

Located in the mediastinum testis, it drains sperm through efferent ductules into the head of the epididymis; it appears hypoechoic, tubular, and non-vascular on ultrasound.

Color Doppler Importance

Utilized for evaluating testicular torsion, infection (orchitis/epididymitis), and determining vascularity in cases of malignancy.

Epididymis

A $6-7\,cm$ structure that begins superiorly and courses posterolateral to the testes; the head is the largest part and it serves as a reservoir for sperm.

Vas Deferens

A thicker, less convoluted continuation of the ductus epididymis located in the spermatic cord that connects the epididymis to the seminal vesicles.

Tunica Vaginalis

The membrane lining the inner walls of the scrotum and covering the testis and epididymis; it consists of two layers: parietal (inner lining) and visceral (surrounding testis/epididymis).

Pampiniform Plexus

The venous drainage of the scrotum that exits the mediastinum testis and courses in the spermatic cord; pathology includes varicoceles.

Tunica Albuginea

A dense, fibrous tissue membrane that completely covers the testis.

Peripheral Zone

The largest and most lateral zone of the prostate; it is the primary site for prostate cancer.

Transition Zone

The prostate zone that surrounds the urethra; it is the site where Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) occurs.

Central Zone

The prostate zone located around the ejaculatory ducts where disease involvement is rare.

Anterior Fibromuscular Stroma

A non-glandular tissue portion of the prostate that rarely develops disease.

Seminal Fluid Producers

The fluid is produced by the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper's glands.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

The primary laboratory value associated with assessing the prostate gland.

Seminoma

The most common malignant testicular germ cell tumor; typically slow-growing, homogeneous, and hypoechoic with well-defined borders and usually normal AFP levels.

Epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis appearing enlarged and hypoechoic with increased flow; labs show elevated WBC and positive urinalysis.

Cryptorchidism

A condition where the testis fails to descend to the scrotum; often associated with prematurity, low birth weight, and increased cancer risk.

Hydroceles

Anechoic fluid collections in the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testicle and epididymis.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate in older men that affects the transition zone and causes a mild increase in PSA.

Choriocarcinoma

An aggressive malignant germ cell tumor characterized by elevated $HCG$ and $AFP$ and a heterogeneous ultrasound appearance with hemorrhage.

Spermatoceles

Complex or anechoic fluid-filled cysts in the epididymal head that contain sperm.

Embryonal Cell Carcinoma

The second most common germ cell tumor; an aggressive non-seminomatous malignant tumor with ill-defined margins and elevated $AFP$ and/or $\beta\text{-HCG}$.

Teratoma

A germ cell tumor containing multiple tissue types; may appear complex with cystic and solid components and calcifications.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus due to infection; shows complex fluid, irregular borders, debris, and elevated WBC.

Microlithiasis

Multiple tiny echogenic foci ($calcifications$) in the testicle without posterior shadows, often called a "starry sky" appearance.

Scrotal Hernia

Bowel or fat protruding into the scrotum; identified by peristalsis if bowel is present and movement with the Valsalva maneuver.

Varicocele

Dilated veins of the pampiniform plexus ($2-3\,mm$) that show increased flow with Valsalva; more common on the left side.

Testicular Torsion

Twisting of the spermatic cord that cuts off blood supply; ultrasound signs include decreased or absent blood flow and the whirlpool sign.

Orchitis

Inflammation of the testicle due to infection; appears enlarged and hypoechoic with increased blood flow.

Verumontanum

The specific junction of the ejaculatory ducts within the urethra.