Gonadal Artery

arteria testicularis / arteria ovarica

The gonadal arteries (testicular in males, ovarian in females) arise from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta at the level of L2, just below the renal arteries, reflecting the embryonic origin of the gonads near the kidneys before their descent. They run retroperitoneally before crossing the ureters to enter the inguinal canal (testicular) or the ovarian ligament in the pelvis (ovarian).

Region: Abdomen

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The long course of the testicular artery from the aorta to the testis creates a vulnerability to torsion: the entire spermatic cord (including the artery) can rotate, occluding arterial inflow and producing testicular ischaemia. This is a urological emergency requiring surgical detorsion within six hours to preserve testicular viability. In laparoscopic surgery for pelvic and retroperitoneal pathology, the gonadal vessels are key landmarks that overlie the ureter and must be identified to avoid ureteral injury.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Testicular Torsion

Rotation of the spermatic cord occludes the testicular artery, producing sudden severe scrotal pain and a high-riding, transversely lying testis; diagnosis is clinical, confirmed by Doppler ultrasound, and treatment requires urgent surgical exploration and detorsion within six hours to preserve testicular viability, followed by bilateral orchidopexy.