1A. Describe the pathway that the sperm travel from the seminiferous tubules thr

Question

1A. Describe the pathway that the sperm travel from the seminiferous tubules through the external urethral meatus. Include every subpart of journey.

1B. Describe the procedure that is used to stop the sperm from exiting the urethra;preventing fertilization during intercourse. Be specific. Include:

i. What tissues must be cut through in order to get to the ductus deferens? Hint: You will need to do a bit of research on typical vasectomy surgery.

ii.The duct that is severed.

iii. The method used to close off the duct so no sperm can escape.

iv.Which tissues must be closed on the way out?

v. What vessels/structures (there are 3) in the area must not be severed in the process?

Explanation / Answer

The testes are composed of coiled structures called seminiferous tubules, which are the sites of sperm production. The structure on top of the seminiferous tubules in the testes is the epididymis. The sperm migrate from of the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis. Within the epididymis, the sperm mature while they are stored in this structure.

The ejaculation process begins as the p e n is fills with blood and becomes erect. With sufficient stimulation, mature sperm travel from the epididymis through the vas deferens, a muscular tube, which propels sperm forward through smooth muscle contractions. The sperm arrive first at the ampulla, where secretions from the seminal vesicle are added.

From the ampulla, seminal fluid is propelled forward through the ejaculatory ducts toward the urethra, passing first by the prostate gland, where a milky fluid is added to form semen. Finally, the semen is ejaculated through the far end of the urethra.

Procedure:

Testicles are cleaned with an antiseptic

An oral or intravenous (IV) medicine is given to reduce anxiety and make the person sleepy. Each vas deferens is located by touch.

A local anesthetic is injected into the area.

Doctor makes one or two small openings in that region. Through an opening, the two vas deferens tubes are cut. The two ends of the vas deferens are tied, stitched, or sealed by ligating (suturing), cauterizing (electrocauterization), or clamping. Electrocautery may be used to seal the ends with heat. Scar tissue from the surgery helps block the tubes.

The vas deferens are thin, hard tubes and they are the only ones cut during vasectomy.

Arteries and veins circulate blood to and from the testes and other structure is spermatic cord, which is not severed during vasectomy.

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