Spermatic cord

The scrotum (or scrotal sac) is a part of the external male genitalia located behind
and underneath the penis. It is the small, muscular sac that contains and protects the
testicles, blood vessels, and part of the spermatic cord.

The scrotum is divided internally into two compartments by a septum and each
compartment contains a testicle. The scrotum protects the testicles from
temperature changes. In order to insure normal sperm production, the scrotum
keeps the testes at a temperature slightly cooler than the rest of the body by
contracting or expanding. The cremaster muscle contracts when the scrotum is
exposed to cold temperatures, pulling the scrotum closer to the body for warmth.
When exposed to heat, the cremaster muscle relaxes, enabling the scrotum hang
lower and further away from the body. This allows the scrotum to cool.

The testicles descend into the scrotum during the first year of life. If this does not
occur, hormone injections of B-HCG or testosterone are given or surgery may be
performed in order to bring the testicles into the scrotum. If left untreated,
undescended testicles may lead to infertility in later life.

Last medically reviewed on January 24, 2018

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Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network — Written by the Healthline Editorial
Team on January 24, 2018

 HUMAN BODY MAPS

 MALE REPRODUCTIVE SAGITTAL CROSS SECTION

Sagittal Cross-section
The corpus spongiosum is yet another part of the male anatomy that facilitates
sexual reproduction. It is a soft, spongy tissue that surrounds the urethra.
While the corpus cavernosum’s physiologic role is to become engorged with blood
to make the penis erect, the corpus spongiosum itself remains spongy and limber to
protect the urethra from closing during an erection. Because of the corpus
spongiosum, semen can travel down the urethra and out of the penis during
ejaculation.

A typical sexual episode for the average man works like this:

 Whether physical or mental, a man’s sexual stimulation begins in the brain.

From there, the body sends signals to nerves within the penis, particularly
the dorsal nerve of the penis.
 This signals the corpora cavernosa, which is comprised of two cylinder-like
columns of tissue, to begin to fill with blood. This process causes the penis
to become erect.
 With further stimulation, a man becomes increasingly aroused. During this
time, the penis expands more.
 Stimulation of the nerves in the exterior of the penis sends signals back and
forth to the brain. This signals the appropriate vessels, organs, and glands
to be at the ready.
 As the man comes close to orgasm, the Cowper’s gland releases a clear
liquid that prepares the urethral tract for the semen. This liquid, known as
pre-ejaculate, kills any harmful elements that may have been left by urine.
 As the man is about to ejaculate, the testes release sperm through the
epididymides, two long, twisted tubes connected to the testes that connect
to the vas deferens, other tubes that transport sperm before ejaculation.
 From there, the sperm travel to the seminal vesicle, which, along with the
prostate, secretes fluids that mix with the sperm and comprise the majority
of semen.
 When the man climaxes, the semen travels down the urethra, through the
glans penis, and out the tip of the penis. The urethra remains open despite
the engorged muscle tissue around it thanks to the corpus spongiosum.
 After ejaculation, the blood drains out of the corpora cavernosa and returns
to other parts of the body.
 Cells within the ejaculate typically live for only a few hours.

Last medically reviewed on January 24, 2018

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Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network — Written by the Healthline Editorial
Team on January 24, 2018

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 HUMAN BODY
 FIMBRIAE

Fimbriae
The fimbriae of the uterine tube, also known as fimbriae tubae, are small,
fingerlike projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, through which eggs move
from the ovaries to the uterus. The fimbriae are connected to the ovary.

Small epithelial cells — those that line cavities throughout the body — with small,
slender cilia (microscopic, hair-like structures) pulsate inside the fallopian tubes to
guide the ovum, or egg, from the ovary to the uterus.

As there is no direct connection between the ovaries and fallopian tubes (also
known as uterine tubes or oviducts), the egg is transported to the uterus in a
peritoneal fluid produced by the fimbriae on the edge of the tube’s opening.

Because the ovum cannot move by itself, the sweeping movement of the cilia of the
fimbriae dictates its movement. It generally takes about 3 to 5 days for an egg to
leave the ovary and land in the uterus.

Once in the fallopian tube or uterus, the egg can be fertilized with a man’s sperm
during intercourse, possibly leading to pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, it will
be sloughed off during the next cycle of menstrual bleeding.
 Last medically reviewed on January 23, 2018

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Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network — Written by the Healthline Editorial
Team on January 23, 2018

 HUMAN BODY MAPS

 MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS VESSELS

Vessels
There are many blood vessels within the male pelvic region. Many are there to
supply the lower half of the body but many supply the male reproductive organs.

The femoral artery and femoral vein — two major blood vessels — travel
through the pelvic bone. These vessels transport blood to and from each leg.

Arteries and veins branch off from the femoral artery to supply oxygen-rich blood
to the male reproductive organs.

The internal pudendal artery is the main vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to
the penis. Without it, a man could not achieve an erection. Problems with blood
flow to the penis can result in erectile dysfunction and other related conditions.

Other arteries of the male pelvis include:

 Testicular arteries: Also known as the internal spermatic arteries, these

branch from the abdominal artery and supply blood to the testes, which is
where sperm production and development occurs.
 Internal iliac artery: A main artery in the pelvis despite being only about
four centimeters long, it helps supply blood to the reproductive organs,
buttock muscles, and other areas in the pelvis.
 Inferior vesical: This artery supplies oxygenated blood to the bladder.
 Along with major arteries, a major nerve — the sciatic nerve — runs from the
bottom of the spine, behind the pelvic bone, and down the back of each leg. When
this spinal nerve becomes compressed, it causes pain in the lower back and legs
known as sciatica.

Other important nerves in the region include:

 Pudendal nerve: This major nerve in the pelvic region branches off to
several areas, especially the external genitalia. It serves not only the
genitals, but the bladder and rectum.
 Peroneal nerve: This nerve branches off from the pudendal nerve from the
sciatic nerve and serves the lower leg, foot, and toes. It branches off to the
dorsal nerve of the penis.
 Dorsal nerve of the penis: This is the major nerve of the penis and is the
deepest branch of the pudendal nerve. It is responsible for motor functions
and sensation in the penis’s skin.

The dorsal nerve of the penis is critical to erection. Although the signal for erection
originates in the brain, the dorsal nerve sends and receives signals to increase blood
flow. Additionally, this nerve receives the physical stimulation that usually ends
with ejaculation.

Last medically reviewed on January 23, 2018

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Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network — Written by the Healthline Editorial
Team on January 23, 2018

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 HUMAN BODY
 VAS DEFERENCE
Vas Deferens
The ductus deferens, or the vas deferens, is a male anatomical part; there
are two of these ducts and their purpose is to carry ejaculatory sperm out of
the epididymis. To do this, the left and right ductus deferens connect each
side of the epididymis to the body’s ejaculatory ducts. Each ductus deferens
is supplied by the artery of vas deferens, which branches out of the superior
vesicle artery. Each ductus deferens is a tube that is approximately 30
centimeters in length and protected by smooth muscle mass. This muscle
mass contracts reflexively during ejaculation in a process called peristalsis.
This is the process that allows sperm to flow through the ductus deferens
and reach the urethra. On its way, the sperm collects secretions from the
prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, and seminal vesicles, all male
accessory sex glands. A permanent incision is made in each ductus
deferens during a vasectomy, a male contraception method. A modern
method of male contraception involves the injection of material into the
ductus deferens to obstruct sperm flow. Sperm may remain active for up to
83 days no matter which procedure is used.

Last medically reviewed on June 4, 2018