Ligament
External spermatic fascia
The cord sheath continuous with the superficial inguinal ring
High-yield
External oblique at the superficial ring gives the external spermatic covering. Internal spermatic fascia comes from transversalis fascia at the deep ring.
Overview
External spermatic fascia is the outermost named spermatic covering, lying deep to the scrotal dartos layer. It continues from the external oblique aponeurotic region at the superficial inguinal ring. Beneath it lie the cremasteric and internal spermatic coverings.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Continuous proximally with fascia at the margins of the superficial inguinal ring and the external oblique aponeurotic region.
- Function
- Forms a thin outer investment of the spermatic cord and continues into the coverings around the testis.
- Clinical point
- Its relationship to deeper cremasteric and internal spermatic layers helps explain the coverings of an indirect inguinal hernia.
Clinical correlation
An indirect inguinal hernia follows the cord's route and can descend within its fascial coverings. The sac is not ordinarily positioned between external spermatic fascia and the cremasteric layer.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the external spermatic fascia attach?
Continuous proximally with fascia at the margins of the superficial inguinal ring and the external oblique aponeurotic region.
What does the external spermatic fascia do?
Forms a thin outer investment of the spermatic cord and continues into the coverings around the testis.
Why does the external spermatic fascia matter clinically?
Its relationship to deeper cremasteric and internal spermatic layers helps explain the coverings of an indirect inguinal hernia.