Final answer:
The spermatic cord includes a connective tissue sheath (extension of abdominal fascia), the ductus deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels. It is a key component of the male reproductive system, providing structural support and pathways for blood, lymph, and nerve signals to and from the testes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spermatic cord is an essential structure of the male reproductive system that consists of multiple layers and components. The structures that compose the spermatic cord include:
- Connective tissue sheath - An extension of the abdominal fascia that encases the cord.
- Ductus deferens - Also known as the vas deferens, it is a muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.
- Blood vessels - These include the testicular artery, which provides blood supply to the testes, and the pampiniform plexus, a network of veins that drain blood from the testes.
- Nerves - These provide innervation to the testes and other structures within the spermatic cord.
- Lymphatic vessels - They are responsible for draining lymph from the testes and scrotum.
In addition to these components, the spermatic cord also contains smooth muscle fibres known as the cremaster muscle, which help regulate the position of the testes.