During surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which artery maintains adequate blood supply to the left testis if the left testicular artery is ligated?

• A. Artery of the ductus deferens
• B. Inferior vesical artery
• C. Obturator artery
• D. Posterior scrotal artery

Answer: (A)

The artery that maintains adequate blood supply to the left testis after the ligation of the left testicular artery is the artery of the ductus deferens.

The artery of the ductus deferens, which is a branch of the inferior vesical artery, runs alongside the ductus deferens and supplies the testis through anastomoses with the testicular artery. This collateral circulation is crucial during procedures like the surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, where ligation of the testicular artery could potentially compromise blood supply to the left testis.

In an anatomical context, the testicular artery typically supplies the blood to the testes, but the artery of the ductus deferens provides a necessary alternative route for blood supply, ensuring that the tissue remains perfused during and after surgical interventions. This collateral supply is often sufficient to meet the metabolic needs of the testes, particularly when one primary artery is compromised.