| Spermatic cord | |
|---|---|
 The spermatic cord in theinguinal canal (label for spermatic cord in lower right) | |
| Details | |
| Artery | Testicular artery |
| Vein | Pampiniform plexus |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | funiculus spermaticus |
| MeSH | D013085 |
| TA98 | A09.3.04.001 |
| TA2 | 3615 |
| FMA | 19937 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Thespermatic cord is the cord-like structure in males formed by thevas deferens (ductus deferens) and surrounding tissue that runs from thedeep inguinal ring down to eachtesticle. Itsserosal covering, thetunica vaginalis, is an extension of theperitoneum that passes through thetransversalis 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, nerves etc. There is one on each side.
The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:
The normal diameter of the spermatic cord is about 16 mm (range 11 to 22 mm).[2] It is located behind thetunica vaginalis.[3]
Theilioinguinal nerve is not actually located inside the spermatic cord, but runs outside it in theinguinal canal.
Thetunica vaginalis is located in front of the spermatic cord, outside it.[3]
The spermatic cord is sensitive totorsion, 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 ofserous fluid in the spermatic cord is named 'funiculocele'.
The contents of theabdominal cavity may protrude into the inguinal canal, producing anindirect inguinal hernia
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord are referred to asvaricocele. Though often asymptomatic, about one in four people with varicocele have negatively affected fertility.[4]
