ANATOMY OF SPERMATIC CORD
LOCATION & STRUCTURE
- The spermatic cord is a tubular structure that extends from the deep inguinal ring to the scrotum.
- It contains vital structures related to the testis and passes through the inguinal canal.
- It is covered by three layers derived from the anterior abdominal wall.
CONTENTS
- Vas Deferens: Muscular duct transporting sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
- Testicular Artery: Arises from the abdominal aorta and supplies the testis.
- Artery to Vas Deferens: Branch of the inferior vesical artery.
- Cremasteric Artery: Branch of the inferior epigastric artery, supplying the cremaster muscle.
- Pampiniform Plexus: Venous network that drains the testis and helps regulate temperature.
- Genitofemoral Nerve (Genital Branch): Provides motor supply to the cremaster muscle.
- Autonomic Nerves: Sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers for vasomotor control.
- Lymphatics: Drain into the para-aortic lymph nodes.
- Remnants of the Processus Vaginalis: A vestigial peritoneal extension.
COVERINGS
- External Spermatic Fascia: Derived from the external oblique aponeurosis.
- Cremasteric Fascia and Muscle: Derived from the internal oblique muscle, responsible for elevating the testis.
- Internal Spermatic Fascia: Derived from the transversalis fascia.
BLOOD SUPPLY & LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
- Arterial Supply: Testicular artery, artery to the vas deferens, and cremasteric artery.
- Venous Drainage: Pampiniform plexus, which drains into the testicular vein (right into IVC, left into left renal vein).
- Lymphatic Drainage: Para-aortic (lumbar) lymph nodes.
NERVE SUPPLY
- Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve (L1-L2) innervates the cremaster muscle.
- Autonomic fibers regulate blood flow and smooth muscle contraction.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
- Varicocele: Dilation of the pampiniform plexus, more common on the left side due to venous drainage patterns.
- Testicular Torsion: Twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply, requiring emergency surgical intervention.
- Inguinal Hernia: Weakness in the abdominal wall can allow abdominal contents to protrude into the inguinal canal alongside the spermatic cord.
- Hydrocele: Accumulation of fluid in the tunica vaginalis, potentially extending into the spermatic cord.
