Scrotum

The scrotum is the bag that holds the testicles (commonly called balls) in male mammals. It is made of skin and muscle and is found between the penis and anus. It is often covered in pubic hair and becomes tight when the male is aroused. The scrotum has a seam or slightly raised line of skin which is called the raphe.

Human male reproductive system

Scrotum with testicles hanging loosely

Scrotum tightened and pulled the testicles closer to the body to maintain temperature in cold environment.

Use

The scrotum will usually tighten during erection.

The function of the scrotum is to keep the testicles less warm than the rest of the body. Human testicles work best at 36.8 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit) when normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Higher temperatures than 36.8 degrees will damage the sperm inside the testicles.

The temperature is controlled by moving the testicles closer to the abdomen when they are too cold, and away when too hot. This is done by muscles contracting or relaxing. This lifts and lowers the testicles inside the scrotum. The scrotum will usually tighten during erection. The testicles can also be lifted by tightening the anus and pelvic muscles.

Some men put jewelry on the scrotum, mainly for decoration.

Temperature

The best temperature for the testes varies between species, but usually it is a bit cooler than body temperature. This means that the testicles have to be held outside of the body in most male mammals.

Protection

The scrotum may move the testes closer to the abdomen when in danger. Testes are extremely sensitive, and hitting or injuring them causes extreme pain. Males avoid this by involunatirly moving the testes closer.

Another explanation for the location of the scrotum is to that their exterior location protects the testes from jolts and being crushed inside the body. Animals that have slow movements - such as elephants, whales, and moles - have internal testes and no scrotum.

When the scrotum is hanging loosely, the testicular cords that the testicle hangs from can get twisted. This is especially prone to happen during exercise. This is called testicular torsion. It is a medical emergency.

Gallery

• 
  Structure of the male sex organs.
• 
  Cross section.
• 
  Scrotum and penis.
• 
  Front view of an erect penis showing the scrotum tightened during an erection.
• 
  The seam or mid-line on the scrotum is called the raphe.
• 
  Decorative jewelry on the scrotum, called scrotal piercing or hafada piercing.
• 
  Back view of scrotum and penis

Related pages

• Sex organ
• Castration
• Penis