Spermatic cord
Another cross section through a fetal spermatic cord illustrates its components: the ductus deferens with three layers of smooth muscle; the testicular artery with its thick muscular wall; the pampiniform plexus of veins; surrounding connective tissue and nerves; and, because this is fetal tissue, the processus vaginalis, an extension of the peritoneal space. 10x
Ductus (vas) deferens
Another cross section through a fetal spermatic cord illustrates its components: the ductus deferens with three layers of smooth muscle; the testicular artery with its thick muscular wall; the pampiniform plexus of veins; surrounding connective tissue and nerves; and, because this is fetal tissue, the processus vaginalis, an extension of the peritoneal space. 10x
- Ductus deferens artery
Another cross section through a fetal spermatic cord illustrates its components: the ductus deferens with three layers of smooth muscle; the testicular artery with its thick muscular wall; the pampiniform plexus of veins; surrounding connective tissue and nerves; and, because this is fetal tissue, the processus vaginalis, an extension of the peritoneal space. 10x
Testicular artery
Another cross section through a fetal spermatic cord illustrates its components: the ductus deferens with three layers of smooth muscle; the testicular artery with its thick muscular wall; the pampiniform plexus of veins; surrounding connective tissue and nerves; and, because this is fetal tissue, the processus vaginalis, an extension of the peritoneal space. 10x
Pampiniform plexus
Another cross section through a fetal spermatic cord illustrates its components: the ductus deferens with three layers of smooth muscle; the testicular artery with its thick muscular wall; the pampiniform plexus of veins; surrounding connective tissue and nerves; and, because this is fetal tissue, the processus vaginalis, an extension of the peritoneal space. 10x
Processus vaginalis
Another cross section through a fetal spermatic cord illustrates its components: the ductus deferens with three layers of smooth muscle; the testicular artery with its thick muscular wall; the pampiniform plexus of veins; surrounding connective tissue and nerves; and, because this is fetal tissue, the processus vaginalis, an extension of the peritoneal space. 10x
Cremaster muscle >
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 raising the testes in response to cold or fear.
Image source >
This image was taken of a slide in the Drexel University collection.
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