MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 9. THE REPRODUCTIVE PROCESS

ANATOMY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

7. THE SCROTUM

The Scrotum (scrotum) is a musculocutaneous sac divided by a septum into two halves, each containing a Testis with its tunics, Epididymis, and the lower part of the Spermatic Cord. A median raphe runs along the midline of the scrotum, extending from the Inferior surface of the Penis to the anus.

During descent, the testis drags along various layers of the abdominal wall, which ultimately enclose the testis and spermatic cord within the scrotum. Consequently, the testis and spermatic cord are surrounded by the following tunics (Fig. 9.1): 1) Skin; 2) dartos tunic, consisting of modified subcutaneous Connective Tissue containing smooth Muscle Cells; 3) external spermatic fascia, derived from the superficial Fascia of the abdomen; 4) fascia of the cremaster muscle; 5) cremaster muscle, derived from the transversus abdominis and internal oblique Muscles of the abdomen; 6) internal spermatic fascia, derived from the transversalis fascia; 7) tunica vaginalis, an extension of the Peritoneum (serous membrane) consisting of parietal and visceral layers. The visceral layer fuses with the tunica albuginea of the testis. Between these two layers lies a cavity containing 1-2 ml of serous fluid. Following the descent of the testis, the upper portion of the peritoneal extension normally obliterates, leaving the testis isolated within its own serous cavity. Failure of this extension to obliterate results in a persistent canal through which congenital hernias may develop.