The Scrotum - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The scrotum is a fibromuscular cutaneous sac, located between the penis and anus. It is dual-chambered, forming an expansion of the perineum. Embryologically, the scrotum is derived from the paired genital swellings. During development, the genital swellings fuse in the midline – in the adult this fusion is marked by the scrotal raphe. The scrotum is biologically homologous to the labia majora. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the scrotum – its contents, blood supply and innervation. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Contents The scrotum contains three major (paired) structures: Testis – the site of sperm production. Epididymis – situated at the head of each testicle. It functions as a storage reservoir for sperm. Spermatic cord – a collection of muscle fibres, vessels, nerves and ducts that run to and from the testes. There are also muscle fibres located within the scrotum. The dartos muscle is a sheet of smooth muscle, situated immediately underneath the skin. It acts to help regulate the temperature of the scrotum, by wrinkling the skin – this decreases surface area, reducing heat loss. By OpenStax College [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Fig 1The scrotum, muscle layer and contents. Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas Prosection of the testis and spermatic cord, demonstrating its contents. Prosection of the testis and spermatic cord, demonstrating its contents. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Neurovascular Supply The scrotum receives neurovascular supply from the nearby vessels and nerves. This is in contrast to the testes – which carry their vessels, nerves and lymph drainage from the abdomen during their development. Blood Supply The scrotum receives arterial supply from the anterior and posterior scrotal arteries. The anterior scrotal artery arises from the external pudendal artery, while the posterior is derived from the internal pudendal artery. The scrotal veins follow the major arteries, draining into the external pudendal veins. Innervation The cutaneous innervation to the scrotum is supplied via several nerves, according to the topography: Anterior and anterolateral aspect – Anterior scrotal nerves derived from the genital branch of genitofemoral nerve and ilioinguinal nerve Posterior aspect – Posterior scrotal nerves derived from the perineal branches of the pudendal nerve and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The origin of the posterior scrotal artery. Lymphatics The lymphatic fluid from the scrotum drains to the nearby superficial inguinal nodes. Clinical Relevance Haematoma of the Scrotum A haematoma may develop in the scrotum as a result of scrotal surgery or trauma in the genital region (Figure 3). This results in swelling (oedema) and discolouration of the scrotal skin. Occasionally the origin of bleeding may not arise from the scrotal contents (i.e. spermatic cord and testis) but from the basal part of the penile urethra (the bulbar urethra) as in “straddle injuries” – direct perineal trauma like when falling onto a bicycle crossbar. Kostis Gyftopoulos MD, PhD Fig 3A scrotal haematoma. Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz The Scrotum Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1800 More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMeAnatomy Pro Challenge yourself with over 1800 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Frequent questions What is the scrotum and where is it located? The scrotum is a fibromuscular cutaneous sac situated between the penis and anus, functioning as an expansion of the perineum. It is divided into two chambers and is embryologically derived from paired genital swellings. What structures are contained within the scrotum? The scrotum houses three main paired structures: the testis, responsible for sperm production; the epididymis, which serves as a storage reservoir for sperm; and the spermatic cord, a collection of muscle fibres, vessels, nerves, and ducts associated with the testes. How does the scrotum regulate temperature? The scrotum regulates its temperature through the dartos muscle, a layer of smooth muscle beneath the skin that wrinkles the scrotal surface. This action reduces surface area and minimizes heat loss, which is crucial for optimal sperm production. What is the blood supply to the scrotum? The scrotum receives its arterial blood supply from the anterior and posterior scrotal arteries, with the anterior arising from the external pudendal artery and the posterior from the internal pudendal artery. The accompanying veins drain into the external pudendal veins. What are the common causes and symptoms of a scrotal haematoma? A scrotal haematoma may occur due to trauma or surgical procedures involving the scrotum, leading to swelling and discolouration of the skin. Bleeding may sometimes originate from the bulbar urethra, particularly in cases of "straddle injuries." Rate This Article