Unusual origin and course of the testicular arteries

Abstract

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. 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. 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. Awareness of variations of the testicular arteries, such as that shown in this case, is important during surgical and radiological procedures pertaining to kidney.