22.1: Scrotum
- Page ID
- 52847
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Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Male Reproductive System The structures of the male reproductive system include the testes, the epididymis, the penis, and the ducts and glands that produce and carry semen. Sperm exit the scrotum through the ductus deferens, which is bundled in the spermatic cord. The seminal vesicles and prostate gland add fluids to the sperm to create semen. (CC-BY-4.0, OpenStax, Human Anatomy)
Scrotum
The testes are located in a skin-covered, highly pigmented, muscular sack called the scrotum that extends from the body behind the penis (see Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). This location is important in sperm production, which occurs within the testes, and proceeds more efficiently when the testes are kept 2 to 4°C below core body temperature. The dartos muscle makes up the subcutaneous muscle layer of the scrotum (Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)).

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): The Scrotum and Testes This anterior view shows the structures of the scrotum and testes. (CC-BY-4.0, OpenStax, Human Anatomy)