Spermatic Cord: Anatomy And Function

Write a short note on the Spermatic Cord.
Answer:

Spermatic Cord:-

It is a cord-like structure of soft tissues that extends from the upper end of the posterior border of the testis to the deep inguinal ring. It is about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and contains the vas deferens and associated vessels and nerves.

Spermatic Cord Coverings:

Read And Learn More: Anatomy Question And Answers

The spermatic cord is enclosed in 3 membranes which are acquired by it during the descent of the testis from the anterior abdominal wall.

From superficial to deep, these are:

• External spermatic fascia, derived from external oblique aponeurosis.
• Cremasteric muscle and fascia, are derived from internal oblique aponeurosis.
• Internal spermatic fascia, derived from fascia transversalis.

Spermatic Cord Contents:

Three arteries:

1. A testicular artery from the abdominal aorta
2. The cremasteric artery forms the inferior epigastric artery
3. Artery of the vas deferens from inferior vesicle artery

Three nerves:

• Ilioinguinal nerve from ventral ramus of L1 (strictly speaking, it lies on and not within the cord).
• Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve: It also gives rise to a cremasteric nerve.
• Sympathetic fibers: they form a plexus around the perivascular coat of the testicular artery and convey the fibers from T10 and T12.

Three other structures:

• Vas deferens
• Pampiniform plexus of veins
• Remains of processus vaginalis

Direct And Indirect Inguinal Hernia

Other structures: Lymphatics that drain the testis and epididymis into pre- and para-aortic lymph nodes

Note: The spermatic cord also contains fibrous remnants of processus vaginalis.