Male Reproductive System

Question 1

What is the deferent duct (vas deterens)?

Answer 1

45cm long, passing upwards from testis through inguinal canal towards posterior wall of bladder, where it is joined by the duct from the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct – sperm may live in deferent duct for several weeks.

Question 2

What are the seminal vesicles?

Answer 2

Two small fibromuscular pouches lying posterior to the bladder. These contract and expel their stored contents, seminal fluid, during ejaculation

Question 3

What are ejaculatory ducts?

Answer 3

Two tubes formed by union of the duct from a seminal vesicle and a deferent duct. They pass through the prostate gland and join the prostatic urethra, carrying seminal fluid and sperm to the urethra

Question 4

What are the functions of the prostate gland?

Answer 4

Lies in the pelvic cavity completely surrounding the urethra. Has a fibrous outer covering; the gland progressively enlarges with age.
Produces a thin, milky fluid, making up 30% of semen volume. Contains a clotting enzyme which thickens the semen in the vagina.