A Study of Variations in the Origin of Testicular Arteries in Adult Human Cadavers with Embryological Significance and Clinical Importance

Address for Correspondence: Dr Prathap Kumar J, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, M S Ramaiah Medical College, M S R Nagar, MSRIT post, Mathikere, Bangalore-560054, Karnataka, India. E-Mail: [email protected] Background: The testicular artery is normally a branch of the abdominal aorta and arises about 1-2inches below the origin of renal artery. In the present study, variations in the origin of testicular arteries and the clinical implications of these variant gonadal arteries are discussed. Materials and Methods: Forty formalin fixed cadavers were dissected to observe for the variations in the origin of testicular arteries in the Department of Anatomy, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Results: In 96.25% of the cases, the testicular artery was normal in origin, number and course. However, in the remaining 3.75%, variations in the origin of testicular artery were noted. i.e, testicular artery arises from renal artery in 1.25% and in 2.5% testicular artery arose from renal artery. Conclusion: The anatomy of the testicular arteries has gained immense importance because of the technical development of operative surgery within the abdominal cavity, hence the knowledge of variations of these vessels in the renal hilar region and retroperitoneal region may greatly contribute to the success of invasive surgery and radiological procedures of this area. Precise knowledge of usual and anomalous origin of testicular arteries is essential for surgeons, anatomists, researchers and interventional radiologist.