If you happen to possess a pair of testicles, you might have observed a peculiar line running down the middle of your scrotum.
Before you get alarmed, know that this is completely normal, so there’s no cause for concern.
This line is one of those odd features of human anatomy that has sparked some very unusual explanations over time. History shows us that curiosity about our bodies, especially our private parts, is nothing new.
Throughout the ages, people have concocted various theories about the origin of the ‘scrotal line’—likely because such musings predated the distraction of smartphones.
One interesting theory posits that this line is a vestige of the human penis bone. Yes, you read that correctly.
An even more antiquated theory ties this peculiar mark to the biblical tale of Adam and Eve.
You may be familiar with the story that Eve was created from Adam’s rib, but a more unconventional theory suggests it was actually Adam’s penis bone.
According to this theory, when God sewed Adam back up, He left that distinctive scar on the scrotum, which would be inherited by all future scrotum-owners. However, this theory remains highly contentious.
So, it’s likely not surprising to learn that this is not the true origin of the scar-like line. Instead, it forms as we develop in the womb.
Every foetus begins development with what is known as ‘labioscrotal swellings,’ which are the early formations of the genital area.
Male and female embryos are virtually identical until about nine weeks into pregnancy, at which point they begin developing their respective genitals.
If the foetus is to develop female genitalia, these swellings will become the outer labia.
If the foetus is to develop male genitalia, these swellings fuse together to form the scrotum, resulting in a line known medically as ‘Scrotal Raphe’—a term you can use if you want to be precise.
Many men were relieved to learn they weren’t actually ‘two guys sewn into one,’ while another joked that it meant ‘the curtains are closed’.
Others were glad to find out it wasn’t a scar from some forgotten injury.
Staying on the topic of testicles, the reason why they hang outside the body rather than staying inside like ovaries, is because the optimal temperature for sperm is slightly cooler than the human body temperature.
This external positioning helps keep the sperm healthy and ready for action when needed.