Cremaster muscle

Cremaster Muscle

The Cremaster Muscle is a thin layer of skeletal muscle found in the inguinal canal and scrotum between the external and internal layers of spermatic fascia, surrounding the testis and spermatic cord.

Anatomy

The Cremaster Muscle originates from the internal oblique and the under surface of the inguinal ligament. It is responsible for controlling the contractions and relaxations that raise and lower the scrotum, helping to regulate the temperature of the testes, which promotes healthy sperm development.

Function

The primary function of the Cremaster Muscle is to raise and lower the testes in order to regulate their temperature and promote healthy sperm development. It does this by contracting in response to cold temperatures or sexual arousal, pulling the testes closer to the body. Conversely, the muscle relaxes in response to warm temperatures, allowing the testes to hang further from the body.

Clinical Significance

The Cremaster Muscle reflex is a superficial reflex found in human males that is elicited when the inner part of the thigh is stroked. This reflex is useful in determining the level of L1 and L2 spinal segments function. It can also be used to assess the integrity of the sensory and motor pathways within the spinal cord.

See Also

• Inguinal ligament
• Spermatic cord
• Testes

References

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  Cremaster muscle anatomy illustration
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  Cremaster muscle cross-section