Spermatic cord

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Spermatic cord
Male anatomy en.svg
The spermatic cord in the inguinal canal (label for spermatic cord in lower right)
Latin Funiculus spermaticus
Gray's p.1239
MeSH A05.360.444.777
Anatomical terminology

The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens (ductus deferens) and surrounding tissue that run from the deep inguinal ring down to each testicle. This includes its serosal covering, the vaginal tunic as it is an extension of the peritoneum passing through this slit in the trasversalis fascia.


The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:



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.[1] The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve,[1] cremasteric artery, and ilioinguinal nerve all run on the superficial surface of the external spermatic fascia.

Clinical significance[edit]

The spermatic cord is sensitive to torsion, 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 of serous fluid in the spermatic cord is named 'funiculocele'.

The contents of the abdominal cavity may protrude into the inguinal canal, producing an indirect inguinal hernia.


Additional images[edit]


  1. ^ a b Shadbolt, Clair; Stefan B. J. Heinze; Rosalind B. Dietrich (2001). "Imaging of Groin Masses: Inguinal Anatomy and Pathologic Conditions Revisited". RadioGraphics. doi:10.1148/radiographics.21.suppl_1.g01oc17s261.  Figure 3.
  2. ^ https://www.varicocelehealing.com/info.html

External links[edit]