Inguinal Canal and Spermatic Cord

Flashcards covering the inguinal canal, spermatic cord, and testicles, including their anatomy, function, and clinical considerations.

Thermostat Example

A negative feedback system where the thermostat triggers the furnace to warm the house to a target temperature, then shuts down until the temperature cools to a threshold, maintaining a stable temperature.

Inguinal Canal

The inferior most part of the anterolateral abdominal wall, containing specialized myofascial layers.

Testis

Organ responsible for the production of spermatozoa, requiring a temperature below body temperature for normal development.

Gubernaculum

Connective tissue tract that anchors the gonads to the anteroinferior portion of the abdomen during fetal development.

Scrotal Ligament

Postnatal remnant of the gubernaculum in males; it acts as the scrotal ligament.

Round Ligament of the Uterus

The degenerated gubernaculum in females, anchoring the uterus to the labia majora.

Inguinal Ligament

Ligament which provides structural support to the floor of the inguinal canal, running from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle.

Superficial Inguinal Ring

The medial most point of the inguinal canal where the spermatic cord and round ligament exit.

Conjoint Tendon

Formed by the aponeurosis of the internal oblique and transversalis fascia, often completely fused.

Direct Inguinal Hernia

Occurs when abdominal contents squeeze through a tear in the conjoint tendon, creating a bulge in the anterolateral abdominal wall.

Deep Inguinal Ring

Lateral termination point of the inguinal canal formed by fibers of the transversus abdominis arching over the spermatic cord or round ligament.

Ileopubic Tract

A fusion of the transversalis fascia and the inguinal ligament creates a functional boundary between the abdomen and the lower limb.

Dartos Fascia

Modified scarpus fascia in the scrotum consisting of a thin latticework of smooth muscle that contracts to regulate temperature.

External Spermatic Fascia

Fascia originating from the external oblique that branches off to join the elements of the spermatic cord.

Cremasteric Fascia

Fascia formed by muscle fibers from the internal oblique that elevates the testicle, important for thermoregulation and sexual arousal.

Cremasteric Reflex

Reflexive contraction of the cremaster muscle to lift the testicle when the inner thigh is stroked. This tests the integrity of the lower levels of the spinal cord.

Internal Spermatic Fascia

Continues into the spermatic cord, originating from the transversalis fascia.

Processus Vaginalis

Leads the testicle as it progresses through the inguinal canal and fuses postnatally to seal off the passage.

Indirect Inguinal Hernia

Occurs when abdominal content bores into the processus vaginalis and through the inguinal canal, common in neonates.

Pampiniform Plexus

Series of parallel vessels surrounding the testicular artery in the spermatic cord that creates a countercurrent arrangement for heat exchange.

Ilioinguinal Nerve

Penetrates through the internal oblique aponeurosis midway through the inguinal canal, providing cutaneous sensation to the anterior portions of the external genitalia and supramedial thigh.

Genital Branch of the Genital Femoral Nerve

The principal motor nerve for the cremaster and dartos muscle, entering the inguinal canal through the deep inguinal ring.

Ductus (Vas) Deferens

A thick muscular tube with a relatively small lumen, easily identified by its rigidity, that communicates with the testicle and has a rich sympathetic nerve supply for peristaltic contractions during ejaculation.

Tunica Vaginalis

A thin membranous lining formed distally from the processus vaginalis, consisting of a parietal layer lining the inner wall of the scrotum and a visceral layer covering the testicle.

Tunica Albuginea

A thick fibrous connective tissue that forms the outer cortex of the testicle.

Seminiferous Tubules

Structures within the testicle lobules where spermatozoa are produced.