scrotum
All content is checked by medical journalists.Scrotum is the medical term for the scrotum. It is a skin pocket with two compartments in which the two testicles are located. The epididymis and the spermatic cords with the associated vessels and nerves are also housed in the scrotum. Read everything you need to know about the scrotum: structure, function and important diseases!
What is a scrotum?
The scrotum (scrotum) is a skin pocket, more precisely a pouch-like protuberance of the anterior abdominal wall. It arises from the coalescence of the embryonic sex bulges - which occur in both sexes. The seam can be recognized by a darker colored line (Raphe scroti).
The scrotum is divided into two compartments (scrotal compartments) by a connective tissue-like septum (septum scroti) and in each of the two compartments there is a testicle (testis). There are muscles (M. cremaster) in the skin of the scrotum. The skin of the scrotum is more pigmented than neighboring skin areas, has many sweat and sebum glands and is slightly hairy.
What is the function of the scrotum?
The scrotum protects the testicles, epididymis and spermatic cords housed in it. A layer of muscle (M. cremaster) in the skin of the scrotum (tunica dartos) can narrow the small arteries in the skin if necessary and thus regulate the blood flow. In addition, when it is cold, the cremaster muscle and another muscle (dartos) contract so that the scrotum is drawn closer to the body.
This possibility of regulating blood flow and drawing the scrotum to the warming body is important for regulating temperature in the testicles. This is where spermiogenesis (the development of sperm cells) takes place and for this the temperature in the testicle must be a few degrees below that of the inside of the body - it should be constant at 34 to 35 degrees Celsius in the testicle. This is also the reason why the testicles are moved out of the body cavity (with a temperature of about 37 degrees) into the cooler scrotum.
Kremaster reflex
During medical examinations, the doctor sometimes tries to trigger the so-called cremaster reflex: by brushing the inside of the thigh, the cremaster muscle normally contracts, which pulls the testicles up on that side. This can be used, for example, to check the nerve tracts in certain spinal cord segments.
Where is the scrotum located?
The scrotum and its contents (testicles, epididymis, spermatic cords) are located between the legs and outside the abdominal cavity. This location outside the body is important because the sperm that develop in the testes are very temperature-sensitive.
What problems can the scrotum cause?
A scrotal abscess is an abscess in the skin of the scrotum.
Inflammation of the scrotum is usually the result of inflammation of the testicles or epididymis.
Tumors in the scrotum can originate from various tissue structures and be malignant or benign.
A varicocele is an enlargement (varicose vein) of the veins in the skin of the scrotum. Without treatment, it can lead to infertility.
A hydrocele is a cyst in the scrotum, i.e. a fluid-filled structure that rests on the testicle.
In the case of an inguinal hernia, the peritoneum or a loop of intestine turns outward and into the inguinal canal, sometimes even into the scrotum.
