The testes are contained within the '''tunica albiguinea''', which is a fibrous capsule composed of collagen. It also contains the testicularis arteries and veins, which are visible on the surface of the testicle. This capsule is covered by the '''tunica vaginalis''', which is an outpocketing of the abdominal peritoneum. The tunica vaginalis can be further divided into the '''visceral and parietal tunics'''. The visceral tunic is adherent to the testicle, ducts and vessels. The parietal tunic is continuous with the parietal peritoneum. The parietal tunic adheres to the ''tunica dartos'' muscle, scrotal fascia and scrotal skin. The tunica albuginea sends projections from the capsules into the testicular parenchyma that join up with the mediastinum of the testis forming lobules. Contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle fibres within the tunica albuginea in response to acetylcholine and norepinephrine results in a pumping action facilitating the flow of spermatozoa through the tubules of the testes. | The testes are contained within the '''tunica albiguinea''', which is a fibrous capsule composed of collagen. It also contains the testicularis arteries and veins, which are visible on the surface of the testicle. This capsule is covered by the '''tunica vaginalis''', which is an outpocketing of the abdominal peritoneum. The tunica vaginalis can be further divided into the '''visceral and parietal tunics'''. The visceral tunic is adherent to the testicle, ducts and vessels. The parietal tunic is continuous with the parietal peritoneum. The parietal tunic adheres to the ''tunica dartos'' muscle, scrotal fascia and scrotal skin. The tunica albuginea sends projections from the capsules into the testicular parenchyma that join up with the mediastinum of the testis forming lobules. Contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle fibres within the tunica albuginea in response to acetylcholine and norepinephrine results in a pumping action facilitating the flow of spermatozoa through the tubules of the testes. |