Spermatic cord • Passes through the inguinal canal, which is an oblique passageway in the anterior abdominal wall. • Comprises blood vessels, nerves, the ductus deferens, and several layers of tissue that collectively suspend the testes within the scrotum. • Prior to testicular descent, the spermatic cord develops as an outpocket of the anterior abdominal wall; thus, its three coverings are derived from the fascial layers of the anterior abdominal wall. Spermatic Cord Layers: • Internal spermatic fascia, which is derived from the transversalis fascia of the anterior abdominal wall. • Cremasteric fascia with muscle fibers, which is derived from the internal oblique fascia and muscle. • External spermatic fascia, which is derived from the external oblique fascia/aponeurosis. Scrotum • A cutaneous sac that holds the testes. • Dartos fascia and muscle is the inner layer, gives rise to scrotal septum, which separates testes within scrotum. • Skin is outermost layer of scrotum. The dartos muscle contracts when cold to wrinkle and thicken the skin, which helps to reduce heat loss. Clinical correlation: Torsion of the spermatic cord (aka, testicular torsion) can disrupt blood supply to the testis and cause necrosis; twisting can occur because of defects in the supporting connective tissues.