Testicular arteries

The testicular arteries (also known as internal spermatic arteries, singular in Latin: arteria testicularis) are two anterior branches of the abdominal aorta that supply the testicles in males. These vessels are the male equivalent of the ovarian arteries, but they have a longer course than the ovarian arteries.

The testicular arteries arise below the origin of the renal arteries and pass downward and laterally on the anterior surface of the psoas major muscle. The right testicular artery lies anterior to the inferior vena cava and posterior to the middle colic artery and ileocolic artery, and the terminal part of the ileum. The left artery is situated behind the left colic artery, sigmoid arteries and the iliac colon. Each testicular artery passes obliquely over the ureter and the lower part of the external iliac artery to reach the abdominal inguinal ring.

The testicular artery passes through the inguinal ring and enters the inguinal canal, accompanying other structures that travel within the spermatic cord and reach the scrotum. In the scrotum, the testicular artery divides into several branches. Two or three branches travel along the ductus deferens to supply the epididymis, and they form anastomoses with the artery of the ductus deferens. Other branches of the testicular artery pierce the back part of the tunica albuginea and supply the testicle. Each testicular artery also gives rise to one or two small branches to the ureter, and in the inguinal canal gives off one or two branches to the cremaster muscle.