The cremasteric artery is a branch of the inferior epigastric artery that enters the spermatic cord at the deep inguinal ring. It supplies the cremaster muscle and the coverings of the cord and anastomoses with the testicular artery and the artery to the ductus deferens. In females the equivalent vessel accompanies the round ligament of the uterus.
| Origin | Inferior epigastric artery, just above the deep inguinal ring |
|---|---|
| Course | Enters the spermatic cord at the deep inguinal ring and runs with it through the inguinal canal into the scrotum |
| Branches |
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The anastomoses of the cremasteric artery with the testicular artery and the artery to the ductus deferens allow the testis to survive when the testicular artery is divided, which is the basis of the Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy for high undescended testes. It is also met in inguinal hernia repair and varicocele surgery. Preserving these small arteries reduces the risk of testicular atrophy.
Damage to the testicular artery together with its cremasteric and deferential collaterals during hernia or varicocele surgery can cause ischaemic orchitis and later shrinkage of the testis.
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