Scrotum
In most terrestrial mammals, the scrotum (pl.: scrotums or scrota; possibly from Latin scortum, meaning "hide" or "skin") or scrotal sac is a part of the external male genitalia located at the base of the penis that consists of a suspended dual-chambered sac of skin and smooth muscle. The scrotum contains the external spermatic fascia, testicles, epididymides, and vasa deferentia. It is a distention of the perineum and carries some abdominal tissues into its cavity including the testicular artery, testicular vein, and pampiniform plexus. The perineal raphe is a small, vertical, slightly raised ridge of scrotal skin under which is found the scrotal septum. It appears as a thin longitudinal line that runs front to back over the entire scrotum. In humans, the scrotum becomes covered with pubic hair at puberty. The scrotum will usually tighten during penile erection and when exposed to cold temperatures. One testis is typically lower than the other to avoid compression in the event of an impact.
| Scrotum | |
|---|---|
Human scrotum in a relaxed state (left) and a tense state (right) | |
Diagram of the scrotum. On the left side the cavity of the tunica vaginalis has been opened; on the right side only the layers superficial to the cremaster muscle have been removed. | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Labioscrotal swelling |
| System | Reproductive system |
| Artery | Anterior scrotal artery, posterior scrotal artery |
| Vein | Testicular vein |
| Nerve | Posterior scrotal nerves, anterior scrotal nerves, genital branch of genitofemoral nerve, perineal branches of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve |
| Lymph | Superficial inguinal lymph nodes |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | scrotum |
| MeSH | D012611 |
| TA98 | A09.4.03.001 A09.4.03.004 |
| TA2 | 3693 |
| FMA | 18252 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The scrotum is biologically homologous to the labia majora in females.