Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionConditions That Affect the Scrotum
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Conditions That Affect the Scrotum
The scrotum is the sac of skin and other tissues that hold thetesticles. Because the scrotum keeps the testicles, or testes, outside the body, they can stay cooler than body temperature. 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
An Overview of the Male Reproductive System
How Big Is The Scrotum?The scrotum may hang lower or be drawn up closer to the body depending on factors like temperature to keep sperm at an ideal temperature. 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.
How Big Is The Scrotum?
The scrotum may hang lower or be drawn up closer to the body depending on factors like temperature to keep sperm at an ideal temperature. 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.
Structure
The scrotum comprises skin, muscle, spermatic cord, testicles, epididymis, and the scrotal septum. 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. It has three sections: the caput (head), corpus (body), and cauda (tail). Sperm cells complete their maturation process within the epididymis.
Dartos Muscle
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 function of the cremaster muscles is to raise or lower the testicles, which helps maintain them at an appropriate temperature.
The cremasteric reflex is a response to light stroking of the inner thigh. It causes the muscles to contract and the testes to elevate.It is also possible for some men to contract the cremaster muscles voluntarily.
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. It is an extension of theperineal raphe, a line of tissue that extends from the anus, through the perineum, and upwards through the midline of thepenis. 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. However, they include:
A number of health conditions can affect the scrotum, as well as the structures that it protects.
Cellulitis
Cellulitisis a type of bacterial skin infection that can occur in the skin of the scrotum, causing pain and swelling. Treatment for cellulitis involves antibacterial medications.
Hydrocele
Hydroceleoccurs when fluid builds up around the testes. It is usually diagnosed either in very young patients who are born with the conditions or in older males over the age of 40.This type of fluid can collect in individuals with conditions such asheart failureorliver failure.
Hydrocele can go away on its own, particularly in males with congenital hydrocele, but if it is causing problems, it can be removed surgically.
Hematocele
Hematocele is similar to hydrocele, except that the fluid building up around the testes is blood. This usually occurs after an injury or surgical procedure. Similarly,varicoceleoccurs when the veins in the scrotum swell.For many people, this causes no symptoms and doesn’t require treatment.
Hydrocele vs. Varicocele: 12 Key Differences in Scrotal Swelling
Cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism occurs when one or both testicles don’t descend into the scrotum.It can repair on its own in some cases. However, if it doesn’t,orchiopexy surgerymay be needed to allow the testicle to descend. An undescended testicle can affect fertility.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through a weakened area in the inguinal canal, a pathway in the abdominal wall located close to the groin. The bulge can be visible on the outside of the body in some cases, but not all, depending on the location of the hernia within the inguinal canal.
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
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.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are all common treatment options for testicular cancer, but treatment ultimately depends on each individual’s case.
Spermatocele
Spermatoceleoccurs when the epididymis develops a fluid-filled sac called a cyst. Spermatoceles are benign and do not affect fertility. They are usually painless, but they might cause a dull, aching pain or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.During testicle self-exam, the lump can also be felt externally.
Epididymitis
Epididymitisrefers to an infected or inflamed epididymis. Usually, one testicle is affected, and it causes redness, swelling, and pain on one side of the scrotum. This condition can be acute, where symptoms come on quickly and resolve within six weeks, or chronic, which means the condition persists beyond six weeks.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsionis one of the few emergency conditions of the scrotum. It occurs when 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.
Why Are My Testicles Itchy? 12 Possible Causes
Summary
If you experience pain, swelling, redness, a palpable lump, a feeling of heaviness or aching, or other concerning symptoms, see a healthcare provider.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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