Spermatic cord

Of the Spermatic cord represents a bundle of nerves and vessels including the spermatic duct, which runs through the inguinal canal from the abdomen to the testicles. It is not a uniform body organ, but a supply system for the testicles attached to it. It also consists of different tissue extensions, each of which has its counterpart in the abdomen.

What is the spermatic cord?

The spermatic cord, also called Funiculus spermaticus is an approx. 20 cm long network of blood vessels, nerves and the vas deferens.It starts in the abdomen, crosses the inguinal canal and ends in the scrotum. At the lower end of the spermatic cord are the testicles, which can be supplied through the connection to the abdominal cavity via this bundle of lines.

The spermatic cord thus serves as a suspension for the testicles and ensures that they can stay outside the abdomen. Because they are only able to form viable sperm outside the abdominal cavity, as better temperature regulation is possible here. The cremaster muscle runs parallel to the spermatic cord.

This muscle is a branch of the abdominal muscle and is responsible for the movement of the testicles towards the abdomen. The spermatic cord includes the testicular artery as well as the testicular vein, the vas deferens and certain nerve fibers of the sympathetic nervous system. Each component fulfills its own tasks. All conduction structures in the spermatic cord have their counterparts in the abdominal cavity and only represent their processes.

Anatomy & structure of the spermatic cord

The spermatic cord is surrounded by several layers that have their origin in the abdominal cavity. As the testes migrate from their embryonic system to the scrotum, all these layers form a continuation of corresponding tissue from the abdominal cavity.

These layers include the flesh skin (tunica dartos) as subcutaneous fatty tissue, the Fascia spermatica externa (envelops the spermatic cord) as a continuation of the superficial body fascia, the Fascia cremasterica (connective tissue covering of the Musculus cremaster), the Musculus cremaster (branching off of the abdominal muscles), the fascia spermatica interna (covers the spermatic cord) and the tunica vaginalis testis (serous skin that surrounds the testicles). The structures of the spermatic cord include the ductus deferens (vas deferens), several blood vessels and several nerves, as well as lymphatic vessels.

In the blood vessels, the arteries and veins of the testes, spermatic ducts and cremaster muscle are represented. Various nerve cords are responsible for the motor skills of the muscles and the sensitivity to touch stimuli.

Function & tasks of the spermatic cord

The spermatic cord has several functions. The semen is only transported by the vas deferens, which belongs to the bundle of conduits of the funiculus spermaticus. The name spermatic cord is derived from this partial function. Actually, its main function consists initially in the suspension and supply of the testicles in the scrotum (scrotum).

Fresh blood flows to the testicles via the testicular artery (arteria testicularis). The used blood is removed from the testicles through the testicular vein (vena testicularis). The same applies to the arteria cremasterica and vena cremasterica with regard to the muscle cremaster and for the arteria ductus deferentis and vena ductus deferentis with regard to the ductus deferens (vas deferens). The cremaster muscle moves the testicles towards the abdomen when necessary. These movements provide temperature regulation in the testicles to ensure the viability of the sperm.

The vas deferens transports the sperm through peristaltic movements from the epididymis into the ductus ejaculatorius (connection of the vas deferens with the seminal vesicle). The nerve plexus of the spermatic cord regulates important muscle functions and ensures sensitivity to contact stimuli.

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Diseases of the spermatic cord

Diseases affecting the spermatic cord can be very painful. In the context of an inflammation of the testicles or epididymis, it can also lead to an inflammation of the spermatic cord (funiculitis). The inflammation of the testicles is an emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. If the spermatic cord is also affected, painful swelling of the spermatic cord, fever and possibly septicemia often occur. However, the testes and spermatic cords are rarely primarily inflamed.

Usually another disease is the cause. Mumps, glandular fever, malaria or even chickenpox can lead to testicular and testicular cord inflammation. Especially with urinary tract infections, bacteria can rise through the vas deferens and cause devastating infections. Other causes of spermatic cord inflammation include inflammation of the prostate, excessive sexual intercourse, or mechanical irritation. However, the spermatic cord inflammation is often unproblematic and heals up after a few days. However, the doctor should definitely be consulted. Another disease affecting the spermatic cord is the so-called varicocele.

This is a varicose vein in the spermatic funiculus. It shows a spasmodic expansion of a venous plexus (pampiniform plexus) in the spermatic cord. This condition is one of the most common causes of male infertility. The incidence of a varicocele is 35 percent and can occur at any age. There are primary and secondary varicoceles. The primary varicocele occurs without an underlying disease.

The secondary form of the disease can result from tumors, lymph node disease, inflammation or surgery. The varicocele can only be removed surgically. However, operations should only be performed if there is frequent pain and the desire to have children. Another disease that involves the spermatic cord is testicular torsion. The testes twist around the spermatic cord (testicular stem rotation). The blood supply is constricted. The testicular twist is very painful and is always an emergency.

As a result of testicular torsion, testicular tissue can die and reduce fertility. An operation must be done immediately. This brings the testicle back into its normal position.