Intersystemic arterial anastomoses in testicles

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Biology
• Spermatic Cord Anatomy

Background:

• The testicular artery, cremasteric artery, and efferent duct artery supply the testes.
• Anastomoses between these three main testicular vessels are exceptionally rare.
• Their role in collateral circulation is considered negligible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and morphology of anastomoses between the three main testicular arteries.
• To describe a common anatomical formation termed the 'intersystemic junction of testicular arteries'.

Main Methods:

• Anatomical study of the spermatic cord vasculature.
• Morphological analysis of vascular formations near the epididymis-efferent duct junction.

Main Results:

• Anastomoses between the testicular, cremasteric, and efferent duct arteries in the inguinal and scrotal regions are extremely rare.
• A highly prevalent complex anatomical formation, the intersystemic junction of testicular arteries, was identified near the epididymis-efferent duct connection.
• This junction typically presents as two morphological variants: closed and open vascular rings (semirings).

Conclusions:

• The direct anastomoses between the three main testicular arteries are rare and functionally insignificant for collateral circulation.
• The intersystemic junction of testicular arteries, forming vascular rings, is a common anatomical feature near the epididymis.
• Understanding these vascular formations is crucial for testicular anatomy and related surgical procedures.