Spermatic cord

The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens (ductus deferens) and surrounding tissue that run from the deep inguinal ring down to each testicle. This includes its serosal covering, the vaginal tunic as it is an extension of the peritoneum passing through this slit in the trasversalis fascia.

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

The contents of the spermatic cord include: 

• Arteries: testicular artery, deferential artery, cremasteric artery

• Nerves: nerve to cremaster (genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve), testicular nerves (sympathetic nerves) and the ilio-inguinal nerve- Ilio-inguinal nerve not inside spermatic cord, but runs along the outside.

• Vas deferens (ductus deferens)

• Pampiniform plexus

• Lymphatic vessels

• Tunica vaginalis (remains of the processus vaginalis)

The pampiniform plexus, testicular artery, artery of the ductus deferens, lymphatic vessels, testicular nerves, and ductus deferens all run deep to the internal spermatic fascia. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve,  cremasteric artery, and ilioinguinal nerve all run on the superficial surface of the external spermatic fascia.