The human testicular artery and the pampiniform plexus--where is the connection?
The aim of the study was the microscopic evaluation of the human spermatic cord vessels, with special attention to the connection between the testicular artery and the veins of the pampiniform plexus. We used the corrosive cast method to visualise the angioarchitecture of the spermatic cord. Casts were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. We observed that there is a narrow space (previously filled with the testicular artery wall), between the casts of the testicular artery and the veins of the pampiniform plexus. This area contains a capillary vessel net, which connects the testicular artery with the veins of the pampiniform plexus. There were no direct anastomoses between the testicular artery and the pampiniform plexus. We hypothesise that the capillary net described is the means of connection between the testicular artery and the pampiniform plexus, and that there can be a testicular artery net of its own vessels (vasa vasorum).
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D001163:Arteriovenous Anastomosis / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002196:Capillaries / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016319:Corrosion Casting; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014651:Vasa Vasorum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014680:Veins / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*