Definition – What is the scrotum?
The scrotum is also called the scrotum. It encloses the male sexual organs, which are composed of the testicles, epididymis, spermatic cord and vas deferens. Consequently, in men, the scrotum is located between the legs under the penis.
The scrotum is a muscular envelope, but consists of several layers. The skin of the scrotum is slightly darker than the rest of the complexion. In addition, the scrotum is covered with pubic hair from puberty onwards.
Anatomy
The scrotum is a covering of the male sexual organs and consists of a total of six layers. The development of the sexual organs, especially the testicles, begins in the abdomen. Until the male newborn is born, the sexual organs migrate downwards and finally break through the abdominal wall.
Due to this organ migration, among other things, the testicles are located outside the abdomen and are surrounded only by the scrotum. This consists of six layers, which correspond to different structures in the abdomen. The outermost layer is the skin, which is also called scrotal skin.
From the time of sexual maturity (from puberty), this is hairy. This is followed by a thin layer of connective tissue with embedded muscle cells. This layer is called tunica dartos.
Next comes the outer layer of fascia (Fascia spermatica externa), which is a continuation of the abdominal fascia (Fascia abdominalis). The fourth layer is formed by the testicle elevator muscle (Musculus cremasteris). According to its name, it is responsible for lifting the testicles.
This can also be provoked by stroking the corresponding side of the inner thigh. In this way, the so-called cremasteric reflex can be triggered. This is followed by the inner fascia (Fascia spermatica interna), which matches the outer fascial layer.
This structure corresponds to the deep fascia (fascia transversalis) in the abdomen. Fasciae are structures that surround and thus limit a muscle, in this case the testicle-lifter muscle. The last and innermost layer is the tunica vaginalis testis, a direct sheath of the testicle.
This again consists of two thin layers. The scrotum is supplied via the testicular artery, which is a direct branch of the aorta in the abdominal cavity. The scrotal lifter muscle is innervated via the nervus genitofemoralis.
