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what is the spermatic cord

by Winifred Corkery V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A cord-like structure in the male reproductive system that contains nerves, blood and lymph vessels, and the vas deferens (a coiled tube that carries sperm out of the testicle). It runs from the abdomen to the testicle, and connects to the testicle in the scrotum (external sac).

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Thickening of spermatic cords is also possible. Affected males may experience pain and a burning sensation. [mavcure.com] The spermatic cords may become thickened. What is the treatment? [newsinfo.inquirer.net] In such cases, the penis may be retracted under skin which has become nonelastic, thickened, hot and painful.

What happens if a spermatic cord is thickened?

The spermatic cord is the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens (ductus deferens) and surrounding tissue that runs from the deep inguinal ring down to each testicle. Its serosal covering, the tunica vaginalis, is an extension of the peritoneum that passes through the transversalis fascia.

What is sstructures comprise the spermatic cord?

The vas deferens, which is a thin, stiff tube running through the middle of the spermatic cord, delivers sperm made in the testis and is the only thing cut during the procedure. One challenge doctors face before a vasectomy is separating the tubes of the vas deferens from the rest of the structures in the cord.

Is the spermatic cord cut in a vasectomy?

What are Spermatoceles (Spermatic Cysts)?

  • Symptoms. Men with spermatoceles often have no symptoms. ...
  • Diagnosis. Spermatoceles are often found at a man's testicular self-exam, or by a doctor at a health exam. ...
  • Treatment. Since these cysts, as a rule, do not cause pain and are often not noticed, they rarely need treatment.
  • After Treatment. ...

What is a small bump on my spermatic cord?

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Where is the spermatic cord located?

Spermatic cord. The scrotum (or scrotal sac) is a part of the external male genitalia located behind and underneath the penis. It is the small, muscular sac that contains and protects the testicles, blood vessels, and part of the spermatic cord.

Can B-HCG be used to bring testicles into the scrotum?

If this does not occur, hormone injections of B-HCG or testosterone are given or surgery may be performed in order to bring the testicles into the scrotum. If left untreated, undescended testicles may lead to infertility in later life. Last medically reviewed on January 24, 2018.

What is the spermatic cord?

The spermatic cord is the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens ( ductus deferens) and surrounding tissue that runs from the deep inguinal ring down to each testicle. Its serosal covering, the tunica vaginalis, is an extension of the peritoneum that passes through the transversalis fascia.

What is the normal diameter of the spermatic cord?

internal spermatic fascia, continuous with the transversalis fascia. The normal diameter of the spermatic cord is about 16 mm (range 11 to 22 mm). It is located behind the tunica vaginalis.

How many layers of tissue are there in the spermatic cord?

The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:

Can a testicle torsion cause an indirect inguinal hernia?

A collection of serous fluid in the spermatic cord is named 'funiculocele'. The contents of the abdominal cavity may protrude into the inguinal canal, producing an indirect inguinal hernia.

What is the spermatic cord?

The spermatic cord refers to a collection of vessels, nerves and ducts that run to and from the testes. They are surrounded by fascia, forming a cord-like structure. This article will look at the anatomy of the spermatic cord – its anatomical course, contents, and clinical correlations.

Where is the spermatic cord located?

This opening is located laterally to the inferior epigastric vessels. The cord passes through the inguinal canal, entering the scrotum via the superficial inguinal ring. It continues into the scrotum, ending at the posterior border of the testes.

What is the pampiniform plexus?

The pampiniform plexus is a network of veins, responsible for the venous drainage of the testes. It has a unique configuration, wrapping itself around the testicular artery

How many layers are there in the spermatic cord?

The contents of the spermatic cord are mainly bound together by three fascial layers. They are all derived from anterior abdominal wall:

Which plexus drains blood from the testes into the testicular vein?

Pampiniform plexus of testicular veins – drains venous blood from the testes into the testicular vein.

Which blood vessels supply the cremasteric fascia?

Blood vessels: Testicular artery – branch of the aorta that arises just inferiorly to the renal arteries. Cremasteric artery and vein – supplies the cremasteric fascia and muscle. Artery to the vas deferens – branch of the inferior vesicle artery, which arises from the internal iliac.

What muscle is in Fig 2?

Fig 2 – The cremaster muscle. Note the looping structure.

How is the spermatic cord formed?

The spermatic cord is formed when the testis passes through the inguinal canal descending into the scrotum. It has three coverings: the internal spermatic fascia derives from transversalis fascia, the cremasteric fascia derives from internal oblique and the external spermatic fascia derives from external oblique. The cord consists of:

Which muscle fiber is the spermatic cord?

The spermatic cord membrane can be separated to the testis fascia, cremaster muscle, and tunica vaginalis of the spermatic cord from outside to inside. 1. Cremaster muscle The cremaster muscle is a one-layer muscle fiber bundle. It contracts or relaxes depending on the temperature.

What are the lymphatics of the spermatic cord?

The superficial group drains the surface of the tunica vaginalis, while the deep group drains the epididymis and testis. These lymphatic vessels directly connect to the iliac and lumbar lymph nodes through the spermatic cord. Meanwhile, these lymphatic vessels connect to the fundus of the bladder and the prostate lymphatic vessels in the small pelvis instead of the inguinal lymph nodes. Therefore, testicular malignancies, such as embryonal cancer, should be treated by lymph nodes dissection, including iliac lymph, lumbar lymph and renal gland lymph nodes around the renal hilum. Inguinal lymph nodes dissection are not necessary ( Fig. 1.7 ).

What nerve is located in the testis?

Lymphatics of the testis. 5. Nerve The nerve of spermatic cord consists of renal plexus, mesenteric nerve plexus, and lumbar sympathetic ganglion fibers. It courses along the internal spermatic artery through the middle and lower sections of the ureter, reaching the testis and the genital branch of genitocrural nerve.

Where does the spermatic cord end?

The spermatic cord is a soft and round cable-like structure suspending the testis and epididymis, which originates from the deep inguinal ring, passing through the superficial inguinal ring, descending into the scrotum and ending in the posterior margin of the testicle.

Which vein connects the testicular vein to the spermatic cord?

Supply of the testis. 3. Pampiniform plexus The testicular vein connects the epididymal vein and merges into the pampiniform plexus, which ascends along the front edge of the ductus deferens to form the main part of the spermatic cord.

Where are scrotal cysts located?

Due to scrotal wall cysts located in the back of the epididymis and testis in the present case, it is very close to the spermatic cord. And the cysts show polycystic characteristics, the local anatomy is very complex, and it is very easy to damage the spermatic cord during cyst excision. In our experience, the wall of scrotum wall cysts is ...

What is the spermatic cord?

Spermatic cord, either of a pair of tubular structures in the male reproductive system that support the testesin the scrotum. Each cord is sheathed in connective tissueand contains a network of arteries, veins, nerves, and the first section of the ductus deferens, through which spermpass in the process of ejaculation.

What is the purpose of spermatic cord surgery?

In surgery of the spermatic cord, the aims are to preserve the blood supply to the testicle and the continuityof the ductus deferens. Varicocelectomy is the operation performed when dilated veins of the spermatic cord cause pain.

Which structure is used to suspend the testes?

…complex tubular structure, called the spermatic cord, also serves to suspend the testes.) At the level of the bladder, each duct separates from its sheath of connective tissue and travels back over the top of the bladder; the two ducts turn downward at the rear of the bladder, and their…

What is the ductus deferens?

ductus deferens. …complex tubular structure , called the spermatic cord, also serves to suspend the testes.) At the level of the bladder, each duct separates from its sheath of connective tissue and travels back over the top of the bladder; the two ducts turn downward at the rear of the bladder, and their…. testis.

What is the function of the spermatic cord?

The function of the spermatic cord is to suspend the testis in the scrotum as well as contain structures running to and from the testis.

Where is the spermatic cord located?

Summary. The spermatic cord is a cord-like structure in the male reproductive system. It’s located in the groin and scrotum and it contains as well as arteries, veins, cremasteric muscles, nerves, and lymphatic vessels. The spermatic cord performs several physiologic functions and connects the testicles to the rest of the body.

What makes up the outer covering of the spermatic cord?

Tunica vaginalis. This covers the anterior surface of the spermatic cord just above the testis.

What is the only thing cut during a testicle procedure?

These blood vessels together with a multitude of nerves, muscles, and lymphatic structures support the weight of the testicles in the scrotum. The vas deferens , which is a thin, stiff tube running through the middle of the spermatic cord, delivers sperm made in the testis and is the only thing cut during the procedure.

Where is testosterone made in the body?

Testosterone made in the testicles is circulated throughout the rest of the body by way of the veins and arteries in the spermatic cord. These vessels are not damaged during a vasectomy, which is why testosterone levels in the body are not affected by the vasectomy procedure.

Which muscle is responsible for drawing the testis into the scrotum?

Cremasteric fascia. Made up of the fascia of the internal oblique muscle. This also contains the cremasteric muscles which draw the testis superiorly into the scrotum when it is cold and lower the testis away from the body when it is warm. External spermatic fascia. Composed of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle.

What is the external spermatic fascia?

External spermatic fascia. Composed of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle.

What is spermatic cord block?

A spermatic cord block is used for patients who do not have an infection or tumor, but continue to experience pain. The spermatic cord block is a useful maneuver when performing procedures on the scrotal contents to minimize pain. It is also useful for patients complaining of testicular/epididymal pain prior to any more invasive procedures.

How does spermatic cord surgery work?

The procedure works by injecting an anaesthetic into the nerves within the spermatic cord. There is no incision, just an injection through the skin. The simple procedure is performed in the privacy of our clinic. No hospitalization or general anaesthesia required.

How long does spermatic cord block last?

Benefits. Benefits from a Spermatic Cord Block: Men with chronic testicular pain should feel relief within 8 hours. For some it may last days or weeks, particularly if their pain occurs primarily during specific activities. At times the relief is permanent.

How long does it take to heal from spermatic cord block?

Though there is no pain involved, some men may feel a slight pinch at the injection site. The spermatic cord block is typically completed in less than five minutes. No recovery period is required. In a very small percentage of patients, they can experience a temporary worsening of the pain. It is not known why this happens.

Why is the testicle test used?

It is used both as a diagnostic test to determine whether a patient would be appropriate for a Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord, and as a therapeutic treatment for testicle pain in select patients.

Is spermatic cord block permanent?

At times the relief is permanent. There are no known side effects, except for occasional minor bruising at the injection site. Some men who have the block notice a difference in their pain level once the procedure’s anaesthetic effect wears off. These men may choose to have a series of spermatic cord blocks as a treatment protocol.

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Overview

The spermatic cord is the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens (ductus deferens) and surrounding tissue that runs from the deep inguinal ring down to each testicle. Its serosal covering, the tunica vaginalis, is an extension of the peritoneum that passes through the transversalis fascia. Each testicle develops in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region and migrates into the scrotum. During its descent it carries along with it the vas deferens, its vessels…

Structure

The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:
• external spermatic fascia, an extension of the innominate fascia that overlies the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle.
• cremasteric muscle and fascia, formed from a continuation of the internal oblique muscle and its fascia.

Clinical significance

The spermatic cord is sensitive to torsion, in which the testicle rotates within its sac and blocks its own blood supply. Testicular torsion may result in irreversible damage to the testicle within hours. A collection of serous fluid in the spermatic cord is named 'funiculocele'.
The contents of the abdominal cavity may protrude into the inguinal canal, producing an indirect inguinal hernia

Additional images

• The left femoral triangle
• The scrotum.
• The right testis, exposed by laying open the tunica vaginalis
• Spermatic cord

External links

• Anatomy figure: 36:01-00 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The inguinal canal and derivation of the layers of the spermatic cord."
• Anatomy image:7509 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
• Cross section image: pembody/body18b—Plastination Laboratory at the Medical University of Vienna

1.Spermatic cord: Anatomy and function | Kenhub

Url:https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/spermatic-cord

31 hours ago  · The spermatic cord is a tubular structure present in males, which forms a conduit between the abdominal cavity and testis. It houses the ductus deferens and a collection of blood vessels and nerves which run to and from the testis. The spermatic cord extends from the inferior abdominal wall and ends in the scrotum.

2.Spermatic Cord Anatomy, Function & Diagram | Body Maps

Url:https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/spermatic-cord

2 hours ago  · The spermatic cord is actually a bundle of fibers and tissues that form a cord-like structure that runs through the abdominal region down to the testicles in males.

3.Spermatic cord - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermatic_cord

16 hours ago Spermatic Cord. The spermatic cord, the wall of which is an extension of the abdominal wall, is the conduit between the testis and the abdominal cavity and contains the vas deferens, blood vessels, and some nerves and lymphatics. From: Hormones (Third Edition), 2015. Related terms: Epididymis; Neoplasm; Hydrocele; Varicocele; Tunica Vaginalis; Torsion; Scrotum; Testes

4.The Spermatic Cord - Course - Fascia - Contents

Url:https://teachmeanatomy.info/pelvis/the-male-reproductive-system/spermatic-cord/

21 hours ago spermatic cord, either of a pair of tubular structures in the male reproductive system that support the testes in the scrotum. Each cord is sheathed in connective tissue and contains a network of arteries, veins, nerves, and the first section of the ductus deferens, through which sperm pass in the process of ejaculation.

5.Spermatic Cord - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Url:https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/spermatic-cord

22 hours ago  · The spermatic cord is a cord-like structure in the male reproductive system. It’s located in the groin and scrotum and it contains as well as arteries, veins, cremasteric muscles, nerves, and lymphatic vessels. The spermatic cord performs several physiologic functions and connects the testicles to the rest of the body.

6.spermatic cord | anatomy | Britannica

Url:https://www.britannica.com/science/spermatic-cord

15 hours ago  · The spermatic cord is the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens (ductus deferens) and surrounding tissue that runs from the deep inguinal ring down to each testicle. Its serosal covering, the tunica vaginalis, is an extension of the peritoneum that passes through the transversalis fascia. The spermatic cord is actually a bundle

7.Spermatic cord: Definition, function, and diagram

Url:https://www.vasectomy-information.com/sex-after-vasectomy/spermatic-cord/

34 hours ago Each testicle is connected to the rest of the body by a blood vessel called the spermatic cord. Testicular torsion happens when a spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the flow of blood to the attached testicle. Most cases of testicular torsion affect guys who have a condition called a bell clapper deformity. Is a spermatic cord block painful?

8.What is the spermatic cord? - Patrice munsel

Url:https://patricemunsel.com/what-is-the-spermatic-cord/

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9.Spermatic Cord Block Procedure Montreal - Steinberg …

Url:https://steinbergurology.com/procedure/spermatic-cord-block/

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