Scrotum

Scrotum

The Scrotum is an anatomical male reproductive structure that consists of a suspended dual-chambered sack of skin and smooth muscle that is present in most terrestrial male mammals and located under the penis. One testis is typically lower than the other to avoid compression in the event of impact. The scrotum contains the external spermatic fascia, testes, epididymis, and ductus deferens. It is a distention of the perineum and carries a smooth muscle called the dartos fascia; this muscle contracts when it is cold to draw the scrotum closer to the body, and relaxes when it is warm, lowering the scrotum away from the body.

Anatomy

The scrotum is a dual-chambered protuberance of skin and muscle, containing the testicles and divided by a septum. Each chamber, known as a scrotal sac, aligns with one side of the body and one testicle. The scrotum is homologous to the labia majora in females. The Raphe forms a visible ridge between the two halves of the scrotum, and is a continuation of the perineal raphe.

Functions

The function of the scrotum appears to be to keep the temperature of the testes slightly lower than that of the rest of the body. For human beings, the scrotum temperature should be about 35-36 degrees Celsius (95-96.8 degrees Fahrenheit), i.e., one to two degrees Celsius below the accepted normal body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Higher temperatures may be damaging to sperm count.

Clinical significance

The scrotum can be affected by diseases and abnormalities. Some of the diseases and abnormalities that can affect the scrotum are Epididymitis, Hydrocele, Testicular cancer, Varicocele, Inguinal hernia, Scrotal hernia, Spermatocele, Hematocele, Orchitis, and Testicular torsion.

See also

• Testicle
• Epididymis
• Spermatic cord
• Inguinal canal

References

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