What is a scrotum?
The scrotum (scrotum) is a skin pouch, more precisely a pouch-like protrusion of the anterior abdominal wall. It is formed by the fusion of the embryonic sexual protrusions – which occur in both sexes. The seam can be recognized by a darker coloured line (raphe scroti).
The scrotum is divided into two compartments (scrotal compartments) by a connective tissue-like septum (septum scroti) and a testicle (testis) is located in each of the two compartments. The skin of the scrotum contains muscles (cremaster muscle). The skin of the scrotum is more pigmented than neighboring areas of skin, has many sweat and sebaceous 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 muscle layer (cremaster muscle) in the skin of the scrotum (tunica dartos) can constrict the small arteries in the skin if necessary and thus regulate blood flow. In addition, the cremaster muscle and another muscle (dartos muscle) contract when it is cold, so that the scrotum is pulled closer to the body.
Cremasteric reflex
During medical examinations, the doctor sometimes tries to trigger the so-called cremasteric reflex: By stroking the inside of the thigh, the cremaster muscle normally contracts, which pulls the testicle upwards on the affected side. This can be used, for example, to check the nerve pathways in certain segments of the spinal cord.
Where is the scrotum located?
The scrotum with its contents (testicles, epididymis, spermatic cords) is located between the legs and outside the abdominal cavity. This location outside the body is important because the sperm developing in the testicles are very sensitive to temperature.
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 can 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 lies on top of the testicle.
In the case of an inguinal hernia, the peritoneum or a loop of intestine protrudes outwards and into the inguinal canal, sometimes even into the scrotum.
