During a vasectomy, the surgeon must identify and isolate the vas deferens in the spermatic cord. Which of the following is the outermost covering of the spermatic cord encountered during this procedure?
- A External spermatic fascia ✓
- B Internal spermatic fascia
- C Cremasteric fascia
- D Tunica vaginalis
Correct answer: A. External spermatic fascia
Explanation
The spermic cord coverings from superficial to deep are: external spermatic fascia (from external oblique aponeurosis), cremasteric muscle and fascia (from internal oblique), and internal spermatic fascia (from transversalis fascia). The external spermatic fascia is therefore the outermost layer encountered. The tunica vaginalis is a separate serous covering derived from the peritoneum, not technically part of the spermatic cord coverings encountered in the superficial dissection.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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