3.2: Male Reproductive Ducts

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Sperms are produced within the seminiferous tubules then they transferred through the duct system, where they mature and exit the body during ejaculation. The duct system begins within the testes and ends with the urethra at the penis, where sperms are relased.

The Rete Testis is the first duct to receive sperm from the seminiferous tubules within the testis. They are small ducts located in the posterior portion of the testis, the mediastinum testis. From the rete testis, the sperm travels to the Efferent ducts, larger ducts which allow the sperms to travel from the rete testis to the Epididymis.

The Epididymis is a convoluted set of tubing consisting of a head, body, and tail. It is here that the storage, maturation, and leaking of sperm cells occurs. The sperm that is held for ejaculation is in the tail of the epididymis. This location is incredibly important when it comes to discussions of infertility. Often, the maturation of sperm does not properly occur here and thus sperm cells are left infertile.

When the sperm cells exit the epididymal tail, they enter the Ductus Deferens (vas deferens). This duct lies within the spermatic cord. When the ductus deferens reached the prostate, it enlarges, forming the ampulla. The ampulla lies at the proximal portion of the seminal vesicle, forming the ejaculatory duct.

The ejaculatory duct conducts sperm from the ductus deferens to the urethra.

The Urethra transports semen and sperms from the ejaculatory ducts to the outside of the body. There are three sections to the Urethra: the Prostatic urethra, Membranous urethra, and the Spongy (penile) urethra.