Chapter 27: the spermatic ducts Flashcards
What happens to sperm after living the testis?
the sperm travel through a series of spermatic ducts to reach the urethra.
What are the main spermatic ducts?
the efferent ductules, duct of the epididymis, ductus deferens, and the ejaculatory duct.
What are the efferent ductules?
about 12 small efferent ductules that arise from the posterior side of the testis and carry sperm to the epididymis. The have clusters o ciliated cells that help drive the sperm along
What is the epididymis?
a site of sperm maturation and storage that adheres to the posterior side of the testis.
What is the superior clublike portion that receives the efferent ductules of the epididymis called?
the head
What is the long middle portion below the last efferent ductule of the epididymis called?
the body
Are sperm physiologically immature or mature when they leave the testes?
immature
Are sperm physiologically immature or mature when they pass through the epididymis?
as they pass through the epididymis they begin to mature.
How long does it take sperm to reach the tail of the epididymis?
20 days
What happens after sperm cells travel through the epididymis?
They are stored pending ejaculation. They remain viable for 40-60 days.
What happens if the sperm are not ejaculated?
they disintegrate and the epididymis reabsorb them
What is the ductus deferens?
It forms where the tail of the epididymis turns 180 degrees and straightens out. It is a muscular tube about 45 cm long and 2.5 mm in diameter.
Where does the ductus deferens travel through?
it goes upward through the spermatic cord and inguinal canal and enters the pelvic cavity. There, it turns medially and approaches the urinary bladder.
What happens to the ductus deferens after it passes the bladder and ureter?
it turns downward behind the bladder and widens into a terminal ampulla (a wide sac like structure)W
Where does the ductus deferens end?
It ends by uniting with the duct of an accessory gland called the seminal vesicle.
