REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE MALE. 717 



the vaginal process of the peritoneum, which remains open after the descent of the 

 testicle. There are several varieties. 



(a) The vaginal process is entirely open and there is a free communication with the 

 peritoneal cavity. The serum may originate in the cavity of the peritoneum or of the 

 vaginal process, and passes freely from one to the other. 



(i) The processus vaginalis is closed iu the inguinal canal, while its lower portion 

 is filled with serum. 



(<) The processus vaginalis is closed about the testis and the visceral layer of the 

 tunica vaginalis is formed. The serum accumulates in the upper part of the vaginal 

 process which communicates with the peritoneal cavity. 



(d) The vaginal process is closed in the inguinal canal and over the testis; the 

 serum accumulates so as to form one or more sacs between these two points. Inguinal 

 hernia may complicate this form of hydrocele. 



In hydrocele of tlie spermatic cord there is general oedema or the development of cir- 

 cumscribed cysts in the connective tissue of the cord. 



A peculiar type of hydrocele is formed by the accumulation of serum in the sac of 

 an inguinal hernia from which the intestine has become retracted. 



Haematocele. 



In haematocele of the tunica vaginalis there is an effusion of blood into the cavity 

 of this sac. It may occur in injury; in scurvy, or w r ith the hsemorrhagic diathesis; or 

 it may complicate a pre-existing hydrocele. The effused blood usually soon degen- 

 erates, and the sac is filled with a brownish fluid or a thick, grumous mass. The tunica 

 vaginalis may be thickened. The testis remains normal or is atrophied. 



Effusion of blood into the loose connective tissue of the scrotum is often called 

 fxtravayinal hcernatocele. 



Haematocele of the spermatic cord occurs in rare cases as a diffuse infiltration of 

 blood in the connective tissue of the cord. Or blood may be effused into a hydrocele of 

 the cord. 



Spermatocele. 



Cysts containing spermatic fluid not infrequently arise from the epididymis 01 

 from the rete testis. These sometimes acquire a large size and crowd the tunica vag- 

 inalis before them, so that they simulate a collection of fluid in the cavity of the latter. 

 The wall of the cyst may be lined with ciliated or with flattened epithelium. The 

 contents are sometimes simply serous, but more frequently opalescent, and may contain 

 spermatozoa. 



ATROPHY. 



Atrophy of the testicle may occur iu old age or iu persons who are in 

 a condition of premature senility ; or as the result of pressure from, her- 

 nise, hydrocele, or inflammatory products. 



INFLAMMATION. (Orchitis.) 



Inflammation of the testicles may follow injuries, exposure to cold, and 

 inflammation of the urethra ; it may occur in parotitis or with syphilis 

 and various other infectious diseases. The testes, epididymis, or tunica 

 albuginea may be principally involved. Usually only one testicle is in- 

 flamed, sometimes both. The inflammation may extend to the vas def- 

 ereus. 



Acute Exudative Orchitis is most frequent in the epididymis and tunica 



