spermatic cord

cord (kord) any long, cylindrical, flexible structure.

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genital cord  in the embryo, the midline fused caudal part of the two urogenital ridges, each containing a mesonephric and paramesonephric duct.

gubernacular cord  a portion of the gubernaculum testis or of the round ligament of the uterus that develops in the inguinal crest and adjoining body wall.

sexual cords  the seminiferous tubules of the early fetus.

spermatic cord  the structure extending from the abdominal inguinal ring to the testis, comprising the pampiniform plexus, nerves, ductus deferens, testicular artery, and other vessels.

spinal cord  that part of the central nervous system lodged in the vertebral canal, extending from the foramen magnum to the upper part of the lumbar region.

umbilical cord  the structure connecting the fetus and placenta, and containing the vessels through which fetal blood passes to and from the placenta.

vocal cords  folds of mucous membrane in the larynx; the superior pair are called the false vocal cords and the inferior, the true vocal cords.

Willis' cords  fibrous bands traversing the inferior angle of the superior sagittal sinus.

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spermatic cord

n.

A cordlike structure, consisting of the vas deferens and its accompanying arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatic vessels, that passes from the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal down into the scrotum to the back of the testicle. Also called testicular cord.

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spermatic cord

[spərmat′ik]

Etymology: Gk, sperma, seed, chorde, string

a structure extending from the deep inguinal ring in the abdomen to the testis, descending nearly vertically into the scrotum. The left spermatic cord is usually longer than the right. Consequently, the left testis usually hangs lower than the right. Each cord comprises arteries, veins, lymphatics, nerves, and the vas deferens of the testis.

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cord

any long, cylindrical, flexible structure.

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angiogenic cord

the embryonic beginnings in the lateral mesenchyme of the dorsal aortae and aortic arches; at first solid they later become patent.

scirrhous cord

enlargement of the stump of the spermatic cord, common only in pigs and horses, and usually obvious within a few weeks of castration. The swelling may cause lameness, is painful and may be accompanied by systemic signs of fever and toxemia. The lesion is a mass of fibrous tissue interspersed with small abscess cavities and sinus tracts.

spermatic cord

the structure extending from the abdominal inguinal ring to the testis, comprising the pampiniform plexus, nerves, ductus deferens, cremaster muscle, vaginal tunics, testicular artery and other vessels.

spinal cord

see spinal cord.

umbilical cord

the structure connecting the fetus and placenta, and containing the channels through which fetal blood passes to and from the placenta.

vocal c's

see vocal cords.

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spermatic

pertaining to the spermatozoa or to semen.

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spermatic cord

the structure extending from the deep inguinal ring to the testis, comprising the ductus deferens, testicular artery and vein including the pampiniform plexus, lymphatic ducts, autonomic nerves as a testicular plexus, smooth muscle tissue around the vessels, called also internal cremaster muscle, and the visceral layer of the vaginal tunic. Clinicians are likely to include the external cremaster muscle, and the parietal layer of the vaginal tunic as parts of the cord, although, strictly, these structures simply surround the cord. Called also funiculus spermaticus.

spermatic cord torsion

torsion of the cord to the point where circulation in the blood vessels of the cord ceases; rare but occasional occurrence in dogs, particularly where the testicle is retained and enlarged by tumor. Causes acute abdominal pain and death due to shock.