You are trying to load the Human Atlas. Either you do not have the newest version of Adobe Flash®, or you have JavaScript disabled, both of which are required to use this system.

Adjust Font Size
 
Search Health Information   
•In-Depth Reports Home
•Back to Article
More Features
•Printer-friendly version

Pathway of sperm

Pathway of sperm

The testes are where sperm is manufactured. The epididymis is a long coiled structure topping the testis, and it receives immature sperm from the testis and stores them as they mature. When ejaculation occurs, sperm are forcefully expelled from the tail of the epididymis into the vas deferens. Sperm then travel through the vas deferens through up the spermatic cord into the pelvic cavity, over the ureter to the prostate behind the bladder. Here, the vas deferens joins with the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct, which passes through the prostate and empties into the urethra. When ejaculation occurs, rhythmic muscle movements propel the sperm forward.





Review Date: 1/25/2013
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com