Ducts: epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculating duct, and urethra

From the seminiferous tubules sperm is pushed into?

s → rt → ed → de

straight tubules (short ducts) → rete testis (networks of ducts) → series efferent ducts (coiled cuts in epididymis) → ductus epididymis (single tube)

Epididymis

• how long?

• what does it mostly consist of?

20 feet long 

ductus epididymis 

Epididymis: function

• how long

• storage>

the site of sperm maturation 

• takes about 12 (14) days

• stored up to a month 

(E) head

superior portion, where the efferent ducts join 

(E) body

narrow portion 

(E) tail

• what does it continue as?

smaller inferior portion 

distal end continues as ductus deferens

Describe the passage of the vas deferens

• SC → PS → B → U → B

comes up through the spermatic cord → hooks over the pubic symphysis → along the side of the bladder → around the urethra → backside of the bladder

Vas deferens

• multiple names

• function

ductus deferens

stores sperm up to several months

(VD) Ampulla of ductus deferens

dilated terminal portion

Ductus deferens

• how does it convey sperm?

peristaltic contractions from the epididymis to the urethra

Ejaculatory Duct

• how its it formed? where?

• where does it terminate? and what does it secrete 

the union of seminal vesicle duct and the ampulla of the ductus deferens

• in the prostate 

Ejaculatory Duct

• where does it terminate?

• what does it eject?

terminates in the prostatic urethra

ejects sperm and secretions of the seminal vesicle before the release of semen 

Urethra

• what are the types?

prostatic urethra: prostate gland 

membranous (intermediate) urethra: passes through the deep muscle of the perineum 

spongy (penile) urethra: passes through the corpus spongiosum of the penis 

What is the pathway of sperm?

SEVEn UP

Seminiferous tubules, Epididymis, Vas deferens, Ejaculatory duct, Urethra, and Penis