scrotum

The scrotum is the external pouch of skin and fascia that houses the testes and the epididymides. It forms part of the male external genitalia and is located behind the penis. Its primary roles are to protect the testes and regulate their temperature, keeping them cooler than the core body to facilitate spermatogenesis.

Anatomically, the scrotum consists of two separate compartments separated by a septum. Each testis is enclosed by a tunica vaginalis and is supported by the spermatic cord. The wall contains skin, the dartos muscle, the cremasteric muscle, and the external and internal spermatic fascia. The scrotal skin has sweat glands and can wrinkle in response to temperature and arousal.

Blood supply comes from branches of the testicular and cremasteric arteries; venous drainage is via the pampiniform plexus to the testicular veins. Innervation includes the anterior scrotal nerves from the ilioinguinal nerve and posterior scrotal nerves from the pudendal nerve via perineal branches, with additional sympathetic fibers.

Developmentally, the scrotum forms from the labioscrotal swellings. The testes descend from the abdomen into the scrotum through the inguinal canal, guided by the gubernaculum.

Clinical notes include conditions such as hydrocele, varicocele, epididymitis, orchitis, torsion, and scrotal trauma. These can affect temperature regulation, fertility, or cause pain and swelling, and warrant medical evaluation if persistent or concerning.