The scrotum is the sac of skin and other tissues that hold thetesticles.
This helps keep them at the ideal temperature to make sperm.
This article explains the structure of the scrotum, its function, and possible problems that involve the scrotum.
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Anatomy of the Scrotum
The scrotum is part of the male anatomy.
It is a sac of skin and muscle that hangs in front of the pelvis, between the legs.
The scrotum is divided into two halves by thescrotal septum.
In most men, one testicle sits on either side of the scrotal septum.
It is common for one side of the scrotum to hang slightly lower than the other side.
How Big Is The Scrotum?
Its size has a direct correlation with the size of the testes.
An average male has a testis size of 5 x 3 x 2 cm.
The external layer of the scrotum is made of skin.
Usually, this skin is darker than the neighboring areas of skin.
Testicles
The testicles are two egg-shaped structures in the scrotum that produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.
Structures in testicles calledseminiferous tubulesproduce sperm cells.
Epididymis
Once sperm cells leave the testicles, they enter a structure of tightly coiled tubes called theepididymis.
Sperm cells complete their maturation process within the epididymis.
Dartos Muscle
Underneath the skin is the dartos muscle, or thetunica dartos.
It relaxes to increase the surface area of the scrotum to help with cooling.
Cremaster Muscle
Another muscle inside the scrotum is the cremaster muscle.
There are two such muscles, one on each side.
Each muscle covers the testes and the spermatic cord and reaches the pelvis through theinguinalcanal.
The cremasteric reflex is a response to light stroking of the inner thigh.
Spermatic Cord
The spermatic cord is the structure that allows the testes to hang within the scrotum.
It supplies blood to the testes, vas deferens, and the cremaster muscle.
It also contains nerves and lymph vessels that connect to the internal structures of the scrotum.
Scrotal Septum
The scrotal septum divides the scrotum into two chambers.
When the testes descend in infancy, usually one testicle ends up on either side of this septum.
Anatomical Variations
There are several possible anatomic variations of the scrotum.
In general, these variations are quite rare.
A temperature cooler than the core body temperature is needed for the testicles to produce sperm effectively.
The cremaster muscles can pull the testicles into the pelvis as needed.
Treatment for cellulitis involves antibacterial medications.
Hydrocele
Hydroceleoccurs when fluid builds up around the testes.
This usually occurs after an injury or surgical procedure.
However, if it doesn’t,orchiopexy surgerymay be needed to allow the testicle to descend.
An undescended testicle can affect fertility.
Surgery is required to repair an inguinal hernia, but it is not needed in all cases.
If the intestine becomes strangulated, meaning it loses its blood flow, it becomes a medical emergency.
Orchitis
Orchitisin the inflammation of one or both testicles.
It often causes pain, a heavy feeling in the scrotum, or swelling.
Treatment usually involves treating the underlying infection.
Testicular Cancer
One of the most common early symptoms oftesticular canceris a lump on a testicle.
It can also cause early puberty in young boys and sore, enlarged breast tissue.
Spermatocele
Spermatoceleoccurs when the epididymis develops a fluid-filled sac called a cyst.
Spermatoceles are benign and do not affect fertility.
Epididymitis
Epididymitisrefers to an infected or inflamed epididymis.
Epididymis can be resulting from the same bacteria that cause a urinary tract infection, includingE.
coli.It can also be resulting from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Treatment involves taking a course of antibiotics and using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsionis one of the few emergency conditions of the scrotum.
It takes place if the testicles rotate around the spermatic cord, causing a loss of blood supply.
Quick surgical correction may be needed to save the affected testicle.
Certainsexually transmitted diseasescan also affect either the skin of the scrotum or its internal structures.
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