Scrotum
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The scrotum is the bag that holds the testicles (commonly called balls) in male mammals. It is made of skin and muscle and is found between the penis and anus. It is often covered in pubic hair and becomes tight when the male is aroused. The scrotum has a seam or slightly raised line of skin which is called the raphe.
Use[change | change source]
The function of the scrotum is to keep the testicles less warm than the rest of the body. Human testicles work best at 36.8 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit) when normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Higher temperatures than 36.8 degrees will damage the sperm inside the testicles.
The temperature is controlled by moving the testicles closer to the abdomen when they are too cold, and away when too hot. This is done by muscles contracting or relaxing. This lifts and lowers the testicles inside the scrotum. The scrotum will usually tighten during erection. The testicles can also be lifted by tightening the anus and pelvic muscles.
Some men put jewelry on the scrotum, mainly for decoration.
Temperature[change | change source]
The best temperature for the testes varies between species, but usually it is a bit cooler than body temperature. This means that the testicles have to be held outside of the body in most male mammals.
Protection[change | change source]
The scrotum may move the testes closer to the abdomen when in danger. Testes are extremely sensitive, and hitting or injuring them causes extreme pain. Males avoid this by involunatirly moving the testes closer.
Another explanation for the location of the scrotum is to that their exterior location protects the testes from jolts and being crushed inside the body. Animals that have slow movements - such as elephants, whales, and moles - have internal testes and no scrotum.[1]
When the scrotum is hanging loosely, the testicular cords that the testicle hangs from can get twisted. This is especially prone to happen during exercise. This is called testicular_torsion. It is a medical emergency.
Gallery[change | change source]
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Structure of the male sex organs. -
Cross section. -
Scrotum and penis. -
Front view of an erect penis showing the scrotum tightened during an erection. -
The seam or mid-line on the scrotum is called the raphe. -
Decorative jewelry on the scrotum, called scrotal piercing or hafada piercing. -
Back view of scrotum and penis
Related pages[change | change source]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "Science : Bumpy lifestyle led to external testes - 17 August 1996 - New Scientist". Retrieved 2007-11-06.
| Female anatomy | Female reproductive system – Breasts – Cervix – Clitoris – Clitoral hood – Fallopian tubes – Bartholin's glands – Gräfenberg spot (G-spot) – Hymen – Labia – Ovaries – Skene's glands – Urethra – Uterus – Vagina – Vulva |  |
|---|---|---|
| Female physiology | ||
| Male anatomy | Male reproductive system – Bulbourethral glands – Corpus cavernosum – Ejaculatory ducts – Epididymis – Foreskin – Frenulum – Glans penis – Penis – Prostate – Rete testis – Scrotum – Seminal vesicles – Seminiferous tubules – Sertoli cell – Spermatic cord – Testicles (testes) – Urethra – Vasa deferentia | |
| Male physiology | ||
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