Scrotum

Question 1

What is the scrotum

Answer 1

A fleshy sac containing both the left and right testes.

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

Inferior/anterior part of the pubic region.

Question 3

Function

Answer 3

To house testes and maintain temperature of ~2-3º less than the bodies core temperature. To do this it allows the testes to be moved further or closer to the trunk as the internal and external temperature fluctuates.

Question 4

How is the function carried out?

Answer 4

Each testis has a muscle in the spermatic cord called the cremaster muscle. The left and right cremasters connect to relevant testis and by contraction and relaxation, move the testes closer or further from the trunk. Deep to the skin of the scrotum, the dartos muscle relaxes when warm, allowing elongation of the scrotum and therefore its contents to be further away from the trunk. When cold the dartos contracts and shortens the length of the scrotum and pulls the testes more proximal to the trunk.