Ejaculatory ducts

Definition

Ejaculatory ducts are the paired tubes in the male reproductive system that transport sperm and seminal fluid from the vas deferens to the urethra during ejaculation. These ducts play a crucial role in the male reproductive process by merging the sperm from the vas deferens with seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles, ultimately facilitating the release of semen during sexual climax.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Each ejaculatory duct is about 2.5 cm long and formed by the union of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle.
2. Ejaculatory ducts pass through the prostate gland, where they open into the urethra.
3. The contraction of smooth muscle in the walls of the ejaculatory ducts helps propel semen into the urethra during ejaculation.
4. The fluid from seminal vesicles contributes to about 60% of the total volume of semen, mixing with sperm as it travels through the ejaculatory ducts.
5. Disorders affecting the ejaculatory ducts can lead to issues such as infertility or retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra.

Review Questions

• How do ejaculatory ducts function within the male reproductive system during ejaculation?
  • Ejaculatory ducts play a vital role in transporting sperm and seminal fluid during ejaculation. They form from the convergence of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle duct, allowing for a mix of sperm with seminal fluid. As ejaculation occurs, smooth muscle contractions in these ducts propel semen into the urethra, leading to its expulsion from the body.
• Discuss the relationship between ejaculatory ducts and other male reproductive structures such as the vas deferens and seminal vesicles.
  • Ejaculatory ducts are closely linked to both the vas deferens and seminal vesicles. The vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis and merges with the duct of seminal vesicles to form the ejaculatory ducts. The seminal vesicles add essential fluids that nourish sperm, making these ducts crucial for combining sperm and seminal fluid before they enter the urethra for ejaculation.
• Evaluate how dysfunction in ejaculatory ducts can impact male fertility and what conditions may arise from such dysfunction.
  • Dysfunction in ejaculatory ducts can significantly affect male fertility by obstructing or altering the normal flow of semen during ejaculation. Conditions such as ejaculatory duct obstruction can prevent sperm from reaching the urethra, leading to infertility. Additionally, issues like retrograde ejaculation can occur when semen is redirected into the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra, further complicating reproductive capability.

Related terms

Vas deferens: A muscular tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Seminal vesicles: Glands that produce a significant portion of the fluid that becomes semen, providing nutrients and energy for sperm.

Urethra: The duct through which urine and semen are expelled from the body, serving both urinary and reproductive functions.