Spermatic cord

Overview
The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens and surrounding tissue that run from the abdomen down to each testicle.

Contents of spermatic cord

 * arteries: testicular artery, deferential artery, cremasteric artery
 * nerves: nerve to cremaster (genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve), sympathetic nerves
 * vas deferens
 * pampiniform plexus
 * lymphatic vessels
 * processus vaginalis (remains of)

Coverings
The spermatic cord is ensheathed in three layers of tissue:
 * external spermatic fascia, an extension of the innominate fascia that overlies the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle
 * cremasteric muscle and fascia, formed from a continuation of the internal oblique muscle and its fascia
 * internal spermatic fascia, continuous with the transversalis fascia

Clinical significance
The spermatic cord is sensitive to torsion, in which the testicle rotates within its sac and kinks off its own blood supply. Testicular torsion may result in irreversible damage to the testicle within hours.

The contents of the abdominal cavity may protrude into the spermatic cord, producing an indirect inguinal hernia.