Male Reproductive Anatomy: Epididymis & Ductus Deferens

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Questions and Answers

What type of epithelium lines the duct of the epididymis?

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Simple columnar epithelium

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium (correct)

Stratified squamous epithelium

What is the primary function of the ductus deferens?

To store seminal fluid

To facilitate the absorption of nutrients

To transport sperm during ejaculation (correct)

To produce sperm

What characterizes the muscular layer of the ductus deferens?

It includes longitudinal and circular layers. (correct)

It consists of a single layer of smooth muscle.

It is developed only in the ampulla region.

It has only circular muscle fibers.

Where does the ductus deferens empty into?

Prostatic urethra Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the ductus deferens mucosa is noteworthy?

It is extensively folded in the ampulla. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure joins the ductus deferens at the ampulla?

Seminal vesicles Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the thick muscularis of the ductus deferens?

It aids in producing strong peristaltic contractions during ejaculation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the connective tissue surrounding the epididymis?

It is rich in blood vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelial cells line the mucosa of the ductus deferens?

Pseudostratified columnar cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles do the accessory glands of the male reproductive tract NOT perform?

Regulating testosterone levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the secretions produced by the seminal vesicles?

To provide nutrient energy sources for sperm Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature characterizes the mucosa of the seminal vesicles?

Simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

How do the seminal vesicles contribute to semen's properties after ejaculation?

Increasing its viscosity Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the structural arrangement of the seminal vesicles?

Highly tortuous tubes Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the smooth muscle layers surrounding the seminal vesicles?

Outer longitudinal and inner circular Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory gland produces the majority of seminal fluid?

Seminal vesicles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epididymis

The duct of the epididymis is surrounded by connective tissue containing blood vessels.
The duct is lined with a pseudostratified columnar epithelium with long stereocilia.
The duct is lined with a thin layer of smooth muscle which thickens in the body and tail of the epididymis.
The lumen of the duct contains sperm.

Ductus (vas) Deferens

It is a long, straight tube with a thick, muscular wall.
It begins at the tail of the epididymis and ends in the prostatic urethra.
It transports sperm from the epididymis during ejaculation.
It has a narrow lumen and a thick layer of smooth muscle.
Its mucosa is folded longitudinally and lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with sparse stereocilia.
The lamina propria is rich in elastic fibers.
The muscularis has longitudinal inner and outer layers, and a middle circular layer.
The muscles produce strong peristaltic contractions during ejaculation, moving sperm along the duct from the epididymis.
It forms part of the spermatic cord which contains the testicular artery, the pampiniform plexus, and nerves.
After passing over the urinary bladder, it dilates into an ampulla, where the epithelium is thicker and more folded.
The seminal vesicles join the duct at the final part of the ampulla, leading to the prostate gland and opening into the prostatic urethra.
The segment entering the prostate is called the ejaculatory duct.
The mucosa of the ductus deferens continues through the ejaculatory duct; however, the muscle layers disappear beyond the ampulla.

Accessory Glands

The accessory glands produce secretions that are added to sperm during ejaculation to produce semen.
The accessory genital glands are:
- Seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral glands

Seminal Vesicles

They consist of highly tortuous tubes about 15cm in length.
The mucosa has many thin, complex folds that fill most of the lumen.
The folds are lined by simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells, which are rich in secretory granules.
The lamina propria contains elastic fibers and is surrounded by smooth muscle with an inner circular and outer longitudinal layers.
They are exocrine glands that produce a viscid, yellowish secretion.
The semen components produced by these glands make up about 70% of the ejaculate. They provide nutrient energy sources for the sperm, coagulate semen after ejaculation, and affect activity of the female reproductive tract.

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Description

Explore the structure and function of the epididymis and ductus deferens in male reproductive anatomy. This quiz will test your knowledge on their histology, muscular composition, and roles in sperm transport. Prepare to dive into the details of these essential reproductive components.