Abstract
Testicular arteries are paired vessels, arising from the abdominal aorta, at the level of second lumbar vertebra. Variations in the origin of these vessels highlight a potential importance regarding the vascular supply to the gonads and kidneys. This study was designed to assess the variations in the origin, course, and distance about the point of origin of the testicular arteries. The posterior abdominal walls of 40 male cadavers were studied on either side, during routine dissection in the Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. A majority had a normal course and the variations were reported as: a) Bilateral origin of gonadal arteries from accessory renal arteries, b) Unilateral origin of the gonadal artery from the left accessory renal artery, and c) Unique origin of the right testicular artery from the right inferior epigastric artery and left testicular artery from descending thoracic aorta above the aortic opening of the diaphragm. Due to the embryological attribution, these variations in the testicular arteries indicate an alarming threat to the radiologists and surgeons during renal transplants and nephrectomies, as these vessels monopolize the vascular supply to the gonads. This study was undertaken to document the incidence of testicular arteries originating from accessory renal arteries.