Male Duct System, Accessory Glands and Semen

Name the main ducts sperm travel through from seminiferous tubules to urethra

Rete testis → Efferent ductules → Epididymis → Ductus (vas) deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra

Function of the epididymis?

Sperm storage and maturation; gains motility and fertilizing ability

What do the seminal vesicles contribute to seminal fluid?

Alkaline fluid with fructose (energy) and prostaglandins (aid in female tract)

What are key secretions of the prostate gland?

Citric acid (nutrient), seminalplasmin (antibiotic), PSA (liquefies semen)

What do bulbourethral glands secrete?

Clear mucin that lubricates and neutralizes urethra prior to ejaculation

Define semen

Ejaculate composed of sperm + seminal fluid from seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands

What neural control produces erection and ejaculation?

Erection: parasympathetic (NO-mediated vasodilation). Ejaculation: sympathetic (contraction of ducts and accessory glands)