Scrotum

The scrotum is a sac of skin and smooth muscle that hangs below the penis and houses the testes and epididymides. Its primary function is to protect the testes and maintain an optimal temperature for spermatogenesis, which is slightly lower than core body temperature.

Anatomy

• Layers: Skin, dartos fascia (smooth muscle), external spermatic fascia, cremaster muscle, internal spermatic fascia.
• Cremaster muscle: Contracts to pull the scrotum closer to the body in cold temperatures, and relaxes to lower it when warm.
• Dartos fascia: Causes wrinkling of the scrotal skin, aiding in temperature regulation.
• Spermatic cord: Contains blood vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens, passing through the inguinal canal to the testes.

Function

• Temperature regulation: Essential for healthy sperm production. The scrotum adjusts the position of the testes in response to temperature changes.
• Protection: Shields the testes from physical damage.

Related Topics

• Testes
• Epididymis
• Cremaster muscle
• Dartos fascia
• Spermatic cord

See also: Male Anatomy