Spermatic cord

The duct of the epididymis exits the epididymis to continue as the ductus deferens in the spermatic cord. This cross section illustrates the components of the spermatic cord: ductus deferens with three layers of smooth muscle and accompanying artery; testicular artery with its thick muscular wall; pampiniform plexus of veins; continuation of the processus vaginalis; cremaster muscle; and surrounding connective tissue and nerves. The spermatic cord traverses the inguinal canal in the lower abdomen. 10x

The ductus deferens can be readily distinguished by its thick muscular wall and narrow lumen. It is accompanied by its artery. The ductus deferens enters the pelvic cavity, loops over the urinary bladder and continues as the ejaculatory duct.

The ductus deferens can be readily distinguished by its thick muscular wall and narrow lumen. It is accompanied by its artery. The ductus deferens enters the pelvic cavity, loops over the urinary bladder and continues as the ejaculatory duct.

The testicular artery supplies blood to the testis and can be differentiated from the pampiniform veins by its thick tunica media of smooth muscle.

The pampiniform plexus of veins serves as a countercurrent heat exchange mechanism to cool blood in the testicular artery as it approaches the testis. Optimal spermatogenesis requires temperatures between 2 to 4 degrees Celsius below the core body temperature.

The processus vaginalis is an extension of peritoneal space and continues into the scrotum where it surrounds the testis.

The cremaster muscle is striated muscle that surrounds the spermatic cord and continues to encompass the testis in the scrotal sac. This muscle provides a thermoregulatory function by elevating the testes in response to cold or fear.

This image was taken of a slide in the Drexel University collection.