Scrotum Flashcards
What is located in the scrotum?
testes - actual gland
epididymis - traveling route for sperm
spermatic cord - blood vessels
What is the scrotum?
supporting structure for the testes that allows for sperm survival
What is the primary function of the testicles>
production of sperm and testosterone
What is the imaging modality of choice for the scrotum?
US
What kind of transducer do you use?
high frequency
improved spatial (detail) and contrast resoultion
color doppler adds increased sensitivity to display scrotal perfusion
What is the basic measurements for the scrotum?
3-5cm x 2-4cm x 3cm
What are the testes?
symmetric
oval glands
exocrine - spermatozoa
endocrine - testerone
How is the scrotum divided?
by the median Raphe
What are the seminiferous tubules?
tubules converge to form the network of channels
What is the Rete Testis?
drains into the head of the epididymis in the hilum where the mediastinum resides
how are sperm cells formed?
seminiferous tubules > tubuli recti > rete testis > efferent ductule > ductus epididymis > vas deferens
What are the parts of the epididymis?
head
body
tail
What is the epididymis?
6-7cm tubular structure
located: posterior and superior
What is the function of the epididymis?
store and transport sperm
What do the seminal vesicles contain?
fluid for sperm
What does the vas deferens do?
transports sperm to the seminal vesicles
what is the ductus epididymis?
single duct in body and tail
What is a vasectomy?
surgically interrupted vas deferens
What does the bulbourethral gland (cowper) do?
secretes fluid
What is an appendix testis?
remnant of the Müllerian duct
ovoid structure beneath the head of the epididymis
What is the tunica albuginea?
dense, fibrous tissue, completely covers testes
What is the mediastinum testis?
linear stripe of variable thickness running through the testis in a longitudinal direction (craniocaudal)
What is the tunica vaginalis?
serous covering of testis which is a double layer extension of peritoneum
parietal (outer) and visceral (inner) - between here is where hydrocele’s form (of the vaginalis)
Where do hydrocele’s form?
between the parietal and visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis
What is the vas deferens?
thin muscular tubes that carry sperm from each testicle to the urethra
what is the verumontanum?
junction of the ejaculatory duct with the urethra
What is in the spermatic cord?
vas deferens
testicular arteries
venous pampiniform plexus
lymphatics
autonomic nerves
Where do the rt and lt testicular arteries come from?
arise from anterior Ao just inferior to Renal Artery
laterally
low resistance flow
What are the testicular arteries?
capsular
centripetal
recurrent
rami (centrifual)
extratesticular:
cremateric
deferentail
What is the pampiniform plexus?
the network of veins
The right testicular vein drains into _______
IVC
The left testicular vein drains into _______
Left renal vein
What are the indications for a scrotal sonogram?
palpable mass
scrotal pain
swollen scrotum
trauma
infertility
location: have patient show you, how long? (for palpable lump)
What is the risk if the a mass is found INSIDE the testicle?
malignancy
What are you looking for when scan the testicles
are they similiar? compare
is there flow? absent or hyperemic
evaluate epididymis - compare flow
representative images in two planes
When might you need to use a curved transducer?
if there are large hydroceles, hematomas, swelling or abscess
needed for a larger field of view
Where do the testes reside?
in the scrotum
What are the testes?
symmetric
oval glands
exocrine and endocrine gland
Which artery can you sometimes see coursing through the testes?
transmediastinal artery
see slide 32 for picture
How does venous drainage occur?
through veins of pampiniform plexus
exits mediastinum
courses through spermatic cord
converges into 3 veins
What is one picture you must always get?
both testes at the same time!
