Spermatic cord

Question 1

what does the spermatic cord refer to?

Answer 1

a collection of vessels, nerves and ducts that run to and from the testes

Question 2

what is the spermatic cord surrounded by?

Answer 2

surrounded by fascia, forming a cord-like structure

Question 3

what is the anatomical course of the spermatic cord

Answer 3

relatively short, beginning in the inferior abdomen and ending in the scrotum

Question 4

where is the spermatic cord formed at?

Answer 4

formed at the opening of the inguinal canal, known as the deep inguinal ring

Question 5

where is the opening of the inguinal canal?

Answer 5

This opening is located laterally to the inferior epigastric vessels

Question 6

where does the spermatic cord pass through?

Answer 6

the inguinal canal, entering the scrotum via the superficial inguinal ring

Question 7

after entering the superficial inguinal ring , where does the spermatic continue? ending?

Answer 7

It continues into the scrotum, ending at the posterior border of the testes

Question 8

what happens after the spermatic cord ends at the posterior border of the testes?

Answer 8

its contents disperse to supply the various structures of the testes and scrotum

Question 9

what are the contents of the spermatic cord mainly bound together by?

Answer 9

by three fascial layers - they are all derived from anterior abdominal wall

Question 10

what are the 3 fascial layers bounding the contents of the spermatic cord?

Answer 10

external spermatic fascia
cremaster muscle and fascia
internal spermatic fascia

Question 11

where is external spermatic fascia derived from?

Answer 11

derived from the aponeurosis of the external oblique

Question 12

where is cremaster muscle and fascia derived from?

Answer 12

derived from the internal oblique and its fascial coverings

Question 13

where is internal spermatic fascia derived from?

Answer 13

derived from the transversalis fascia

Question 14

what are the 3 fascial layers covering the contents of the spermatic cord covered by? where is it?

Answer 14

a layer of superficial fascia, which lies directly below the scrotal skin

Question 15

what does the cremaster muscle form?

Answer 15

the middle layer of the spermatic cord fasciaa

Question 16

what is the cremaster muscle a layer of?

Answer 16

a discontinuous layer of striated muscle, that is orientated longitudinally

Question 17

Clinical: how can the cremaster reflex be stimulated?

Answer 17

by stroking the superior and medial part of the thigh

Question 18

clinical: what happens when the cremaster reflex is stimulated?

Answer 18

produces an immediate contraction of the cremaster muscle

Question 19

clinical: what does contraction of the cremaster muscle lead to?

Answer 19

elevates the testis on the side that has been stimulated

Question 20

clinical: what type of reflex is the cremaster reflex?

Answer 20

spinal reflex

Question 21

clinical: what does the cremaster spinal reflex consist of?

Answer 21

2 parts:
afferent sensory limb (stroking)
(brainstem / spine coordinate in between)
efferent motor limb (the reflex)

Question 22

clinical: which nerve coordinates the afferent sensory limb within the cremaster reflex?

Answer 22

ilioinguinal / genitofemoral nerve

Question 23

clinical: which nerve coordinates the efferent motor limb within the cremaster reflex?

Answer 23

genito branch of genitofemoral nerve