Which fibrous capsule surrounds the testis?

• A. Tunica albuginea
• B. Tunica vaginalis
• C. Tunica vasculosa
• D. Cremasteric fascia

Answer: (A)

The fibrous capsule around the testis is the tunica albuginea. This dense white connective tissue forms a tough outer shell directly surrounding the testicular parenchyma and lies just beneath the tunica vaginalis. It provides protection and gives the testis its firm feel, and it sends inward extensions (septa) that divide the organ into lobules for organized seminiferous tubules. The tunica vaginalis is a serous membrane that surrounds the tunica albuginea and testis, not a fibrous capsule. The tunica vasculosa is the vascular layer on the testis surface beneath the tunica albuginea, supplying blood. The cremasteric fascia is part of the spermatic cord, not a capsule of the testis.