Male Pelvic Contents and Anal Triangle

Question 1

What is the vas deferens

Answer 1

A muscular tube that is an extension of the epididymis

Question 2

What forms the ejaculatory duct

Answer 2

The vas deferens joins the duct from the seminal vesicles to form the ejaculatory duct

Question 3

Where does the urethra meet the ejaculatory duct

Answer 3

Inside the prostate

Question 4

Where, in location to the bladder, do the vas deferens pass

Answer 4

Behind the bladder; they appear transversely

Question 5

How long are the seminal vesicles

Answer 5

5cm; uncoiled around 15cm

Question 6

What is the purpose of the seminal vesicles

Answer 6

They are designed to support the sperm; they secrete a liquid (semen) which turns the thick sperm into a more motile liquid

Question 7

What arteries supply the seminal vesicles

Answer 7

Branches from the inferior vesical artery

Question 8

Describe the location of the seminal vesicles

Answer 8

Behind the bladder and in front of the rectum

Question 9

What is the prostate, and what is its function

Answer 9

It is a glandular tissue inferior to the bladder that produces proteolytic enzymes and acid phophatase

Question 10

What are the 3 arteries that supply the prostate

Answer 10

1. Internal pudendal
2. Middle rectal
3. Inferior vesical

Question 11

What 2 veins drain the prostate

Answer 11

1. Deep dorsal vein of the penis

2. Internal iliac vein

Question 12

What is the major ligament that helps to anchor the prostate in place

Answer 12

Pubo-prostatic ligament

Question 13

If the prostate becomes enlarged what complications can be seen with the bladder

Answer 13

1. Pushes against the sphincter vesicae, resulting in difficulty stopping urination
2. Pouches within the bladder can form, meaning urine isn’t released as often as it should be; can lead to infection

Question 14

Where does lymph from the skin of the penis and wall of the scrotum drain to

Answer 14

Superficial inguinal nodes

Question 15

Where does lymph from the testes drain to

Answer 15

Aortic nodes at the root of the testicular artery at L2

Question 16

Name the 3 points of the anal triangle

Answer 16

1. Left ischial tuberosity
2. Right ischial tuberosity
3. Coccyx

Question 17

What are the contents of the ischioanal fossa

Answer 17

Branches of the pudendal nerve, artery and vein, and adipose tissue

Question 18

What are the boundaries of the ischioanal fossa

Answer 18

Roof = Levator ani (pelvic diaphragm)
Floor = Skin
Walls = Ischial tuberosity and the rectum/anal canal

Question 19

When does the rectum become the anal canal

Answer 19

Once it pierces the pelvic floor

Question 20

What type of muscle are the anal sphincters made of

Answer 20

Internal = smooth (involuntary)
External = skeletal (voluntary)

Question 21

Where does the external anal sphincter stretch from, and to

Answer 21

The perineal body to the anococcygeal ligament

Question 22

What nerve innervates the external anal sphincter

Answer 22

Pudendal nerve (S2-4) inferior rectal branch

Question 23

What is the white line of the anal canal

Answer 23

The region of transition from the anal canal to true skin on the outside of the body

Question 24

What is the pectinate line of the anal canal and specifically where is it located

Answer 24

It divides the upper 2/3 and lower 1/3 of the anal canal; at the base of the anal columns

Question 25

What are the 4 main arteries that supply the anal canal

Answer 25

1. Middle rectal artery
2. Internal pudendal artery
3. Inferior rectal artery
4. Superior rectal artery

Question 26

Where does blood drain to from the anal canal

Answer 26

Above pectinate line = superior rectal vein, and into the portal system
Below the pectinate line = inferior rectal veins, and the caval venous system

Question 27

What does the pectinate line define

Answer 27

The end of the true digestive tract