Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Section
Reproductive Systems, systemata genitalia — Male Reproductive System, systema masculinum
External Male Genital Organs, organa genitalia masculina externa — Scrotum

The Scrotum is a musculocutaneous organ that houses the Testes, epididymides, and the distal portions of the spermatic cords (Fig. 323). It performs a thermoregulatory function for the testes, which is essential for Spermatogenesis.

The scrotal wall consists of the Skin and the dartos tunic, which are closely bound together. The scrotal skin is thin, somewhat darker in hue, covered with Hair, and divided into two halves by a median raphe, raphe scroti, and the Connective Tissue septum, septum scroti. The dartos tunic is a Cytology/practical/45.html">Dense connective tissue layer composed of elastic fibers and Smooth Muscle tissue. Bundles of the dartos muscle envelop the testes, and upon contraction, they cause the scrotal skin to wrinkle.

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Fig. 323. Spermatic Cord, funiculus spermaticus. Tunics of the Testis and spermatic cord (after R. D. Sinelnikov)

Blood supply to the scrotum is provided by the external pudendal Arteries, aa. pudendae externae; anterior scrotal branches, rami scrotales anteriores; internal pudendal arteries, aa. pudendae internae; posterior scrotal branches, nn. scrotales posteriores; as well as Branches of the perineal artery, a. perinealis, and the cremasteric artery, a. cremasterica.

Venous drainage is directed into the external pudendal Veins, vv. pudendae externae; the pampiniform plexus, plexus pampiniformis; and the inferior rectal veins, vv. rectales inferiores.

Lymph from the scrotum drains via Lymphatic vessels that empty into the superficial inguinal Lymph Nodes, nodi lymphatici inguinales superficiales.

Innervation of the scrotum is supplied by the pudendal nerve, n. pudendus, anterior and posterior scrotal nerves, nn. scrotales anteriores et posteriores, ilioinguinal nerve, n. ilioinguinalis, genitofemoral nerve, n. genitofemoralis, as well as perineal branches, rr. perineales, from the Sacral Plexus.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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