Spermatic Cord Flashcards
Where does the spermatic cord begin?
deep inguinal ring
Where does the spermatic cord end?
testis
What three concentric layers of fascia cover the spermatic cord?
external spermatic, cremasteric, internal spermatic fascia
What forms external spermatic fossa?
external oblique aponeurosis
What forms cremasteric fascia?
internal oblique aponeurosis
What is the innervation of the cremaster muscle?
genital branch of genitofemoral nerve (L1-L2)
What is the cremaster muscle function?
retracts testis and temperature regulation of sperm
What forms the internal spermatic fascia?
transversalis fascia
What structures does the spermatic cord contain?
ductus deferens testicular artery pampiniform plexus artery to ductus deferens cremasteric artery genital branch of genitofemoral nerve remnant of processus vaginalis autonomic nerves lymphatics
What does the ductus deferens transport?
sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct
What is a branch of the abdominal aorta?
testicular artery
What is the pampiniform plexus of veins?
extensive network of veins which make up bulk of spermatic cord
What does the testicular vein do?
forms heat block (cools blood in arteries)
Where does the left testicular vein drain to?
left renal vein
Where does the right testicular vein drain to?
directly into inferior vena cava
What is a branch of the superior vesical artery?
artery to the ductus deferens
What is a branch of the inferior epigastric artery?
cremasteric artery
What does the genital branch of genitofemoral nerve supply?
cremaster muscle
Where does the lymphatics drain to?
lumbar lymph nodes
Is the ilioinguinal nerve part of the spermatic cord?
no
Where does the ilioinguinal nerve run?
through inguinal canal and superficial inguinal ring
What are the two branches of the ilioinguinal nerve?
femoral branch and anterior scrotal/anterior labial nerve
What does the femoral branch supply?
upper medial part of thigh
What does the anterior scrotal nerve supply?
root of the penis and anterior part of scrotum
What does the anterior labial nerve supply?
mons pubis and anterior part of labia majora
