Posterior scrotal arteries
Arteriae scrotales posteriores
- Latin synonym: Rami scrotales arteriae perinealis
- Synonym: Scrotal branches of perineal artery
- Related terms: Posterior scrotal branches male
Definition
Posterior scrotal arteries are branches of the perineal artery (itself a branch of the internal pudendal artery) that supply the skin and dartos fascia of the posterior aspect of the scrotum. They arise in the perineum and course superficially to provide vascular supply to the scrotal wall.
Anatomical Details:
Origin: The posterior scrotal arteries arise from the perineal artery, which is a terminal branch of the internal pudendal artery (a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery).
Course: They travel superficially through the superficial perineal space, passing over the superficial transverse perineal muscle and the bulbospongiosus muscle, to reach the posterior surface of the scrotum.
Distribution: They supply the skin, dartos muscle, and subcutaneous tissue of the posterior scrotal wall. They anastomose with the anterior scrotal arteries (branches of the external pudendal artery from the femoral artery), creating a rich vascular network across the scrotum.
Homologue: In females, the corresponding vessels are the posterior labial arteries, which supply the labia majora.
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