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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 7/2007

01-10-2007 | Anatomical Variations

Unusual origin and course of the testicular arteries

Authors: Halil Ibrahim Acar, Fatih Yazar, Hasan Ozan

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 7/2007

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Abstract

Background

The testicular arteries usually arise from the anterolateral aspect of the abdominal aorta just inferior to the renal arteries at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. However, they may also originate from the renal artery, middle suprarenal artery, one of the lumbar arteries, common or internal iliac artery, or the superior epigastric artery.

Methods

An unusual origin of the right testicular artery and an unusual course of the left one were observed during routine dissection of the retroperitoneal space of a 43-year-old male cadaver.

Results

The right testicular artery originated from the inferior segmental branch of the right renal artery. After the left testicular artery originated from the anterolateral surface of the abdominal aorta just inferior to the left renal artery it was located between the left renal vein and the left renal artery and descended anterior to the renal vein. Thereafter it coursed on its normal route distally with the testicular vein.

Conclusions

Awareness of variations of the testicular arteries, such as that shown in this case, is important during surgical and radiological procedures pertaining to kidney.
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Metadata
Title
Unusual origin and course of the testicular arteries
Authors
Halil Ibrahim Acar
Fatih Yazar
Hasan Ozan
Publication date
01-10-2007
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 7/2007
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-007-0232-2

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