Scrotum: The scrotum is a sac of skin that hangs from the body at the front of the pelvis, between the legs. It sits next to the upper thighs, just below the penis. The scrotum contains the testicles. These are two oval-shaped glands responsible for producing and storing sperm. They also produce several hormones, the main one being testosterone.

Scrotum hangs outside the body because it needs to maintain a slightly lower temperature than the rest of the body. This lower temperature helps to maintain sperm production. Scrotal tissues help protect the structures inside the testicles, where sperm and important hormones are produced. It protects the testicles and major blood vessels, as well as tubes that release sperm from the testicles into the penis for ejaculation.

Anatomy of Scrotum

• Testicle. Each testicle produces hormones, the main one being testosterone, with the help of parts of the brain like the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. They also contain tubules and cells that produce sperm, or spermatozoa. Sperm are transferred from the testicle to the epididymis.
• Epididymis. An epididymis is located on the top of each testicle. Each epididymis is a tightly coiled tube. They store sperm created in each testicle until they’re mature, usually for about 60 to 80 days. The epididymis also absorbs extra fluid secreted by the testicle to help move sperm through the reproductive tract.
• Spermatic cord. Each spermatic cord contains blood vessels, nerves, lymph vessels, and a tube called the vas deferens. This tube moves sperm out of the epididymis into ejaculatory ducts. The blood vessels maintain the blood supply for the testicle, vas deferens, and cremaster muscle. The nerves transport information from the spinal cord to and from the scrotum, testicles, and cremaster muscle.
• Cremaster muscle. Each cremaster muscle surrounds one of the testicles and its spermatic cord. The muscle helps to move the testicle toward and away from the body to maintain the ideal temperature for sperm production. This is why the scrotum hangs lower in warm conditions and closer to the body in cold weather.

Functions of Scrotum 

• The main function of is to protect the testes and to maintain the temperature of scrotum several degrees below the normal body temperature. Thus it extends beyond the body wall.
• It will contract during cold, exercise, or sexual stimulation and they expand and relax during the warm condition. When contracted, it conserves heat and while relaxed it will be smooth and elongated, permitting the circulation of air for cooling.
• The temperature of the scrotum is relatively cool, which is important for the production of viable sperm.

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By Team Learning Mantras