Sperm travels through a specific pathway in the male body, from production in the testes to ejaculation.
Here's a breakdown of the journey:
-
Testes and Epididymis: Sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs in the seminiferous tubules within the testes. After production, sperm are immature and incapable of fertilization. They then move into the epididymis, a coiled tube located on the back of each testicle. Here, sperm mature and are stored.
-
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens): When ejaculation occurs, sperm are propelled from the epididymis into the vas deferens. The vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that ascends from the scrotum, travels through the spermatic cord, and enters the pelvic cavity.
-
Pelvic Cavity and Prostate: In the pelvic cavity, the vas deferens curves over the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) and approaches the prostate gland, which is located behind the bladder.
-
Ejaculatory Duct: Near the prostate, the vas deferens joins with the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct. The seminal vesicles are glands that contribute fluid to semen, providing nourishment and other substances to the sperm.
-
Urethra: The ejaculatory duct passes through the prostate gland and empties into the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries both urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
-
Ejaculation: During ejaculation, the smooth muscles in the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate contract, propelling sperm and seminal fluid through the urethra and out of the penis. The fluid mixture, now called semen, is then deposited into the female reproductive tract.
In summary, sperm's journey involves maturation and storage in the epididymis, transport through the vas deferens into the pelvic cavity, mixing with seminal fluids in the ejaculatory duct, and expulsion through the urethra during ejaculation.
