The pampiniform plexus forms the chief mass of the cord.

The small vessels of the pampiniform plexus normally range from 0.5-1.5 mm in diameter.

When lying down, gravity may allow the drainage of the pampiniform plexus and thus make the mass not obvious.

The pampiniform plexus is a network of many small veins found in the human male spermatic cord.

An abnormal enlargement of the pampiniform plexus is a medical condition called varicocele.

In females, the pampiniform plexus drains the ovaries.

In species that have external testes (such as humans), the artery to the testis is surrounded by a mesh of veins called the pampiniform plexus.

Varicocele can be reliably diagnosed with ultrasound, which will show dilation of the vessels of the pampiniform plexus to greater than 2 mm.

The term varicocele specifically refers to dilatation and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus, which is the network of veins that drain the testicle.

In addition to its function in venous return from the testes, the pampiniform plexus also plays a role in the temperature regulation of the testes.

The pampiniform plexus, testicular artery, artery of the ductus deferens, lymphatic vessels, testicular nerves, and ductus deferens all run deep to the internal spermatic fascia.

This results in backflow of blood into the pampiniform plexus and causes increased pressures, ultimately leading to permanent damage to the testicular tissue due to disruption of normal supply of oxygenated blood via the testicular artery.

One non-malignant cause of a secondary varicocele is the so-called "Nutcracker syndrome", a condition in which the superior mesenteric artery compresses the left renal vein, causing increased pressures there to be transmitted retrograde into the left pampiniform plexus.