Spermatic Cord

The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens and surrounding tissue that run from the abdomen down to each testicle. These cords play a number of roles in the male body, including acting as a conduit for semen. The spermatic cord also carries blood vessels and nerves which supply the testes. It is surrounded by several tough layers of connective tissue which protect the contents from trauma, impingement, and other potential threats. Contents of spermatic cord Arteries: testicular artery, deferential artery, cremasteric artery Nerves: nerve to cremaster (genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve), testicular nerves (sympathetic nerves) Vas deferens (ductus deferens) Pampiniform plexus Lymphatic vessels Tunica vaginalis (remains of the processus vaginalis) The pampiniform plexus, testicular artery, artery of the ductus deferens, lymphatic vessels, testicular nerves, and ductus deferens all run deep to the internal spermatic fascia. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, cremasteric artery, and ilioinguinal nerve all run on the superficial surface of the external spermatic fascia. The classic and memorable description of the contents of spermatic cord in the male are: 3 arteries: cremasteric artery, deferential artery, testicular artery; 3 nerves: genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve (L1/2), autonomic and visceral afferent fibres, ilioinguinal nerve (N.B. outside spermatic cord but travels next to it) 3 fascial layers: external spermatic, cremasteric, and internal spermatic fascia; 3 other structures: pampiniform plexus, vas deferens (ductus deferens), testicular lymphatics; Coverings 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 internal spermatic fascia, continuous with the transversalis fascia.

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