Spermatic Cord: Structure, Function & Diseases

The spermatic cord represents a bundle of nerves and vessels including vas deferens, which extends through the inguinal canal from the abdomen to the testes. It is not a unitary body organ but a supply system for the testes attached to it. Furthermore, it consists of various tissue processes, each of which has its counterpart in the abdominal cavity.

What is the spermatic cord?

The spermatic cord, also known as the funiculus spermaticus, is a plexus of blood vessels, nerves and the vas deferens, approximately 20 cm long. It begins in the abdomen, crosses the inguinal canal, and ends in the scrotum. At the lower end of the spermatic cord are the testicles, which can thus be supplied through the connection to the abdominal cavity via this bundle of conduits. The spermatic cord thus serves as a suspension for the testicles and ensures that they can stay outside the abdominal cavity. This is because they are only able to form viable sperm outside the abdominal cavity, as better temperature regulation is possible here. Parallel to the spermatic cord runs the cremaster muscle. This muscle is a branch of the abdominal muscle and ensures the movement of the testicles towards the abdomen. The spermatic cord includes the testicular artery as well as the testicular vein, the vas deferens and certain nerve fibers of the sympathetic nervous system. Each component performs its own tasks. All the conducting structures in the spermatic cord have their counterparts in the abdomen and represent only their extensions.

Anatomy and structure of the spermatic cord.

The spermatic cord is surrounded by several layers that originate in the abdominal cavity. Due to the migration of the testes from their embryonic attachment to the scrotum, all of these layers form a continuation of corresponding tissues from the abdominal cavity. These layers include the flesh skin (tunica dartos) as subcutaneous adipose tissue, the fascia spermatica externa (envelops the spermatic cord) as a continuation of the superficial body fascia, the fascia cremasterica (connective tissue envelope of the cremaster muscle), the cremaster muscle (branch of the abdominal musculature), the fascia spermatica interna (envelops the spermatic cord), and the tunica vaginalis testis (serous skin surrounding the testis). The structures of the spermatic cord include the ductus deferens (vas deferens), several blood vessels, and several nerves and lymphatic vessels. Among the blood vessels, the arteries and veins of the testis, vas deferens, and cremaster muscle are represented, respectively. Diverse nerve cords are responsible for the motor function of the muscles and sensitivity to touch stimuli.

Function and tasks of the spermatic cord

The spermatic cord has several functions to perform. The transport of semen is the responsibility of the vas deferens only, which is part of the bundle of conduits of the funiculus spermaticus. The name spermatic cord has been derived from this partial function. Actually, its main function is initially to suspend and supply the testes in the scrotum (scrotum sac). Fresh blood flows to the testicles through the testicular artery (arteria testicularis). Through the testicular vein (vena testicularis), used blood moves away from the testicles again. The same is true for the cremasteric artery and cremasteric vein with respect to the cremasteric muscle, and for the ductal artery and ductal vein with respect to the deferent duct (vas deferens). The cremaster muscle moves the testes toward the abdomen when needed. These movements provide temperature regulation in the testes to ensure sperm viability. The vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis to the ductus ejaculatorius (connection of the vas deferens to the seminal vesicle) by peristaltic movements. The nerve plexus of the vas deferens regulates important muscle functions and provides sensitivity to touch stimuli.

Diseases of the spermatic cord

Diseases of the spermatic cord can be very painful. In the context of testicular or epididymitis, inflammation of the spermatic cord (funiculitis) can also occur. Already testicular inflammation is an emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. If the spermatic cord is also affected, there is often painful spermatic cord swelling, fever, and possibly septicemia. However, the testis and spermatic cord are rarely primarily inflamed. Usually, some other disease underlies it. Thus, mumps, mononucleosis, malaria, or even chickenpox may cause testicular and spermatic cord inflammation. Particularly in the case of urinary tract infections, bacteria can rise via the vas deferens and cause devastating infections.Other causes of inflammation of the spermatic cord are inflammation of the prostate, excessive sexual intercourse or mechanical irritation. Often, however, the inflammation of the spermatic cord is also unproblematic and heals after a few days. However, the doctor should be consulted in any case. Another disease of the spermatic cord is the so-called varicocele. This is a varicose vein in the funiculus spermaticus. It shows a cramp-like dilatation of a venous plexus (pampiniform plexus) in the spermatic cord. This condition is one of the most common causes of infertility in men. The incidence of varicocele is 35 percent and can occur at any age. There are primary and secondary varicocele. The primary varicocele occurs without underlying disease. The secondary form of the disease can be caused by tumors, lymph node diseases, inflammation or surgery. Varicocele can be removed only surgically. However, surgery should be performed only in cases of frequent pain and desire to have children. Another disease involving the spermatic cord is testicular torsion. In this case, the testicles twist around the spermatic cord (testicular torsion). It results in strangulation of the blood supply. Testicular torsion is very painful and always represents an emergency. As a result of testicular torsion, the testicular tissue may die and limit fertility. Surgery must be performed immediately. This involves returning the testicle to its normal position.