Chapter 28, Problem 1CP

Summary Introduction

To review:

The Scrotum's role in regulating the temperature of testes.

Introduction:

Scrotum is an organ, which participates and is involved in reproduction process of the males. It is made up of testes, epididymis, and spermatic cords. The sperms are produced by testes and stored in epididymis till maturity. Scrotum's role is to protect the testes and regulate the temperature of the testes so that the sperm could be protected and mature before discharge.

Explanation of Solution

The scrotum is located outside the pelvic cavity and this location of the scrotum helps it in changing the distance between abdomen and testicles and thus maintaining the temperature of the testes. The temperature regulation is possible by expansion and contraction of the scrotum muscles fibers. The temperature required for normal sperm production is almost 1–8°C less than the normal body temperature. Variation in the temperature of the scrotum affects the sperm production and maturity.

When the temperature around is warm, the scrotum muscles, cremaster, and dartos expand, this expansion helps to dissipate the heat. Whereas when the temperature around is cold, scrotal muscles contracts and moves more toward body wall and becomes tight to reduce the heat loss and absorb heat from the body. This maintains the temperature of the testes by contraction and expansion of the scrotal muscles.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the scrotum maintains the temperature present in the testes through process of expansion and contraction of the scrotum muscles.