Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the pampiniform venous plexus in the male reproductive system?
What is the purpose of the pampiniform venous plexus in the male reproductive system?
To form the testicular vein that drains into the inferior vena cava and renal vein.
Describe the structure of the testis' tunica albuginea.
Describe the structure of the testis' tunica albuginea.
It is a thick white fibrous capsule.
Where does the testicular artery arise from?
Where does the testicular artery arise from?
The abdominal aorta.
What is the function of the ductus deferens in the male reproductive system?
What is the function of the ductus deferens in the male reproductive system?
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How many lobules are typically found in the testis?
How many lobules are typically found in the testis?
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What is the function of the rete testis within the testis?
What is the function of the rete testis within the testis?
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Name the layers that cover the testis.
Name the layers that cover the testis.
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Where does the lymphatic drainage from the testis primarily go to?
Where does the lymphatic drainage from the testis primarily go to?
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What is the role of the testis in the male reproductive system?
What is the role of the testis in the male reproductive system?
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Explain why the left testis often hangs lower than the right.
Explain why the left testis often hangs lower than the right.
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Study Notes
Spermatic Cord and Testis
- The spermatic cord is a neurovascular bundle that includes structures passing through the deep inguinal ring to reach the testis.
- Contents of the spermatic cord: ductus deferens, artery of the ductus deferens, testicular artery, venous pampiniform plexuses, cremasteric artery, lymphatics, testicular plexus of sympathetic fibers, genital branch of genitofemoral nerve, and vestige of processus vaginalis.
Applied Anatomy
- Varicocele: dilation, tortuosity, and engorgement of the pampiniform plexus, more common on the left side.
- Hydrocele: a collection of fluid in the cavity of the tunica vaginalis.
Coverings of the Spermatic Cord
- External spermatic fascia
- Cremaster muscle and fascia
- Internal spermatic fascia
Penile Arteries and Veins
- All arteries are derived from the internal pudendal artery: dorsal arteries, deep arteries (cavernous arteries), and urethral arteries.
- Superficial dorsal vein divides to continue as superficial external pudendal veins, and deep dorsal vein ends in the prostatic venous plexus.
Innervation of the Penis
- Dorsal nerve of the penis: a branch of the pudendal nerve.
- Parasympathetic innervation for erection: through the pelvic splanchnic nerves (nervi eregentes, S2,3,4).
- Sympathetic stimulation for ejaculation: through the inferior hypogastric plexuses.
Testis
- The male primary sex organ, located in the scrotum where the temperature is correct for spermatogenesis.
- The left testis often hangs lower than the right.
- Wrapped in a tunica albuginea connective tissue capsule and surrounded by a serous membrane, the tunica vaginalis.
Blood Supply and Lymphatic Drainage
- Arterial supply: testicular artery from the abdominal aorta and artery of the ductus deferens (usually a branch of superior vesical artery).
- Venous drainage: pampiniform venous plexus forms the testicular vein, draining into the inferior vena cava (on the right side) and renal vein (on the left side).
- Lymphatic drainage: to the preaortic and lateral aortic lymph nodes.
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Description
Test your knowledge of varicocele, including the reasons for its increased prevalence on the left side, and hydrocele, which is characterized by a collection of fluid in the tunica vaginalis cavity. Additionally, learn about the coverings of the spermatic cord and its derivatives from the abdominal layers.
