Lecture Notes: Pathway of Sperm Flow

Overview

• Sperm production and flow in the male reproductive system.
• Key anatomical structures involved in sperm maturation and transport.

Sperm Production

• Location: Testes, specifically in the Seminiferous Tubules.
• Structure of the Testis:
  • Tunica Vaginalis: Double layer with a space.
  • Tunica Albuginea: Beneath the tunica vaginalis, has extensions called septi.
  • Lobules: Separated by septi, each containing 2-3 seminiferous tubules.
• Flow of Sperm:
  • Produced in seminiferous tubules.
  • Moves into the lumen of the tubule.
  • Enters straight tubules, then the rete testis.
  • Travels through efferent ducts into the epididymis.

Epididymis

• Description: Comma-shaped structure on the posterior side of the testis.
• Structure:
  • Head, body, and tail regions.
  • Highly coiled, about an inch and a half long; uncoiled = ~20 feet.
• Function:
  • Sperm mature and are stored here.
  • Lined by stereocilia for maturation.
  • Holds sperm for up to a month before breakdown if not expelled.
• Movement:
  • Sperm propelled into the ductus (vas) deferens.

Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)

• Function: Transports sperm during ejaculation.
• Path:
  • Moves sperm through the spermatic cord.
  • Contains testicular artery, veins, lymphatics, cremaster muscle, autonomic nerves.
  • Passes up posterior side of urinary bladder.
  • Features a swelling called the ampulla.
• Ejaculatory Duct Formation:
  • Forms by union of seminal vesicle and ductus deferens.
  • Prostate and bulbourethral glands add secretions.

Ejaculatory Duct and Urethra

• Ejaculatory Duct:
  • Adds fluid to the prostatic urethra.
  • Approximately an inch long.
• Urethra:
  • Three parts: Prostatic, Membranous, Spongy.
  • Transports sperm and secretions out of the body.

Vasectomy

• Procedure: Cutting and tying off the vas deferens.
• Effect: Prevents sperm from entering ejaculate.
• Reversibility: 40% chance to reverse.
• Effectiveness: 100% when done correctly.

Inguinal Canal and Hernias

• Inguinal Canal:
  • Pathway for the spermatic cord into the scrotal sac.
  • Location of testis descent.
  • Common site for hernias.
• Hernias:
  • Indirect Hernia: Intestine loop through deep ring.
  • Direct Hernia: Through posterior wall of the inguinal canal.