Embryological Development of Testes
- The testes develop in the abdominal cavity from the mesonephros.
- They descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum via the gubernaculum.
- The processus vaginalis closes to form the tunica vaginalis.
External Anatomy of Testes and Scrotum
- The testes are oval in shape and 4-5 cm in length.
- The scrotum is a fibromuscular sac that contains the testes.
- It is divided into two compartments by a septum.
- The scrotal skin is thin and contains sebaceous glands and sweat glands.
Position of Testes in Scrotal Sac
- The testes are positioned in the scrotal sac by the cremaster muscle.
- The cremaster muscle contracts to pull the testes up towards the abdomen.
- The dartos muscle relaxes to allow the testes to descend into the scrotum.
Structure of Scrotal Skin
- The scrotal skin is thin and contains sebaceous glands and sweat glands.
- It is innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve.
- It has two layers: a superficial layer and a deep layer.
Cremaster Muscle
- The cremaster muscle is a fascial layer that surrounds the spermatic cord.
- It is innervated by the cremasteric branch of the genitofemoral nerve.
- It contracts to pull the testes up towards the abdomen.
Dartos Muscle
- The dartos muscle is a smooth muscle layer that surrounds the scrotal sac.
- It is innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve.
- It relaxes to allow the testes to descend into the scrotum.
Spermatic Cord
- The spermatic cord is a fibromuscular cord that connects the testes to the abdominal wall.
- It contains the testicular artery, testicular vein, and pampiniform plexus.
- It is innervated by the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.
Important Points
- The testes develop in the abdominal cavity and descend into the scrotum via the gubernaculum.
- The cremaster muscle contracts to pull the testes up towards the abdomen.
- The dartos muscle relaxes to allow the testes to descend into the scrotum.
- The scrotal skin is thin and contains sebaceous glands and sweat glands.
- The spermatic cord is a fibromuscular cord that connects the testes to the abdominal wall.
Clinical Features
- Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) is a common condition where the testes do not descend into the scrotum.
- Hydrocele is a condition where fluid accumulates in the scrotum.
- Varicocele is a condition where the pampiniform plexus is dilated.
Investigations
- Ultrasound is used to diagnose undescended testes, hydrocele, and varicocele.
- Scrotal examination is used to diagnose conditions such as epididymitis and orchitis.
Management and Treatment
- Undescended testes can be treated with hormonal therapy or surgical intervention.
- Hydrocele can be treated with aspiration or surgical intervention.
- Varicocele can be treated with surgical intervention.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines
- Arnica montana: for swelling and inflammation of the scrotum
- Hypericum perforatum: for nerve damage and pain
- Belladonna: for inflammation and swelling
- Pulsatilla: for inflammation and pain
Blood Supply
- The testes are supplied by the testicular artery.
- The scrotal skin is supplied by the ilioinguinal nerve and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.
Nerve Supply
- The testes are innervated by the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.
- The scrotal skin is innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.
Clinical Anatomy
- The inguinal canal is a passage that allows the testes to descend from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum.
- The spermatic cord is a fibromuscular cord that connects the testes to the abdominal wall.
- The cremaster muscle contracts to pull the testes up towards the abdomen.