Organ
Scrotum
A divided skin pouch that helps cool the testes
High-yield
Scrotal skin sends lymph to superficial inguinal nodes. Testicular lymph usually follows the gonadal vessels back to retroperitoneal nodes, reflecting the testes' abdominal development.
Overview
The scrotum places the testes below the pelvic floor in two compartments separated by a septum. Thin skin, little subcutaneous fat and dartos smooth muscle permit changes in surface area; the cremaster changes testicular height. Deeper spermatic coverings reflect the route of descent through the abdominal wall, but not every abdominal muscle supplies a layer.
Reference facts
- Location
- It hangs inferior to the pubic region between the upper thighs. The surface raphe overlies the midline union of the embryonic labioscrotal swellings.
- Parts
- Skin and dartos form the pouch and its septum. Around each testis lie external spermatic fascia, cremasteric muscle and fascia, internal spermatic fascia and the parietal tunica vaginalis.
- Blood supply
- External pudendal branches supply the anterior skin, internal pudendal branches supply the posterior skin, and the cremasteric circulation contributes to deeper coverings.
- Innervation
- Ilioinguinal and genital genitofemoral branches serve the anterior region. Posterior scrotal pudendal branches and a perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve contribute posteriorly.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Veins return through the pudendal networks. Skin lymphatics predominantly reach the superficial inguinal group.
- Relations
- The compartments contain the testes, epididymides and distal spermatic cords; the penile root and perineal tissues lie nearby.
- Function
- The pouch protects the gonads while supporting a temperature below that of the body core through heat exchange and muscular changes in position and skin tension.
Mnemonic
Skin and dartos, then three cord coverings, then serosa: keep the testis's own albuginea capsule separate from these surrounding layers.
Clinical correlation
A bulbar urethral injury can produce perineal and scrotal swelling when urine escapes through the surrounding fascia. Continuity with abdominal superficial fascia helps explain upward spread. The pattern depends on which fascial layers are damaged; extensive trauma or infection can disrupt their usual boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the scrotum located?
It hangs inferior to the pubic region between the upper thighs. The surface raphe overlies the midline union of the embryonic labioscrotal swellings.
What does the scrotum do?
The pouch protects the gonads while supporting a temperature below that of the body core through heat exchange and muscular changes in position and skin tension.
What are the parts of the scrotum?
Skin and dartos form the pouch and its septum. Around each testis lie external spermatic fascia, cremasteric muscle and fascia, internal spermatic fascia and the parietal tunica vaginalis.
What is the blood supply of the scrotum?
External pudendal branches supply the anterior skin, internal pudendal branches supply the posterior skin, and the cremasteric circulation contributes to deeper coverings.