DUCT SYSTEM

• Epididymis - 6 m long; found along the posterior lateral side of the testis; first part of duct system
• Ductus (vas) deferens - runs from epididymis to spermatic cord

  • Ampulla - end of ductus deferens; empties into ejaculatory duct
  • Ejaculatory duct - passes through prostate to merge with the urethra
• Ejaculation - smooth muscle in the walls of the ductus deferens create peristaltic waves to squeeze sperm forward
• Vasectomy - form of birth control that involves cutting of ductus deferens at the level of the testes
• Urethra - extends from base of urinary bladder to the tip of the penis; carries both urine and sperm

  • Prostatic urethra - surrounded by prostate gland
  • Membranous urethra - prostatic urethra to penis
  • Spongy (penile) urethra - length of penis to exterior
• Accessory glands:

  • Seminal vesicles
  • Prostate
  • Bulbourethral glands
• Seminal vesicles - located at the base of the bladder, produce a thick, yellowish secretion which accounts for 60% of semen which contains:

  • Fructose
  • Vitamin C
  • Prostaglandins
• Prostate:

  • encircles the prostatic part of the urethra
  • secretes a milky fluid that helps activate sperm and enters the urethra
• Bulbourethral glands - pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate and produce a thick, clear mucus that cleanses and lubricates the urethra of acidic urine
• Semen - milky white mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions
• Fructose - provides energy for sperm cells
• External Genitalia:

  • Scrotum
  • Penis
• Scrotum - divided sac of skin that houses the testes; maintains testes at 3 degrees Celsius lower than normal body temperature
• Penis - main organ of copulation that delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract

  Regions:

  • Shaft
  • Glans penis (tip)
  • Prepuce (foreskin)