HISTOLOGY OF THE DUCTUS DEFERENS
In plain English, the structure of the testes produce sperm cells, where the sperm is stored in the epididymis. The sperm transport themselves through the vas deferens, to the prostate gland located at the front of the bladder, where at the proper time, sperm join seminal fluid from the prostate, and are expelled through the urethra. In vasectomy, the vas deferens are cut, stopping the flow of sperm. After vasectomy and during orgasm, you still shoot semen, just minus the sperm.
Testicle and Spermatic Cord
Picture shown above is one of the few on the site not actually of me, and is for clarity of spermatic cord structure only. The Testicle would normally reside in the scrotum during vasectomy surgery.
Within the scrotum, the spermatic cords, one left, one right, are the suspensory structures of the testes. Within these cords, there is the principal artery supplying blood to the testes, which runs through a plexus of veins, nerves, and the ductus deferen, which is the tube that the sperm travel, and all of this is bound together by the perivasal sheath.
The older term for the ductus deferens is "vas deferens" (from l. vasa, a vessel, and present participle of defero, to carry away). Hence, the common name for the surgical operation that severs or ligates this organ before it enters the urethra is "vasectomy". To be up to date with modern terminology, we really ought to call this a "deferenectomy". In humans, vasectomies are done for the purposes of sterilization. (Thank you Dr. Thomas Caceci, for contributing the preceding information.)
The human vas deferens seem well suited for vasectomy, in that they are external to the body, and easily reached through the thin skin of the scrotum.
Glossary
Testicles - male reproductive glands that produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone. Also known as the "Testis", there are normally two that reside within the scrotum.
Epididymis - storage unit for sperm. Sperm also mature within this structure. There is one epididymis attached to the back side of each testicle, from where the epididymis transports sperm to the vas deferens.
NSV - No-Scalpel Vasectomy
Semen = a mixture of about 2% - 3% sperm cells and 97% - 98% seminal secretions by volume. The normal volume of each ejaculate of semen is approximately 2 to 6 ml. Each ml of semen normally contains approximately 100 MILLION sperm cells.
Seminal Vesicle - a gland that produces a component of seminal secretions. There are two seminal vesicles, one left, one right.
Prostate - a walnut sized gland that contributes to seminal secretions.
Bladder - a muscular, elastic pouch that serves to store and then expel urine.
Urethra - the canal through which semen and urine exit the penis to the outside of the body.
Vas Deferens - a muscular tube (about 14 inches long by about 0.1 in diameter, some are larger, some smaller) that transports sperm to the prostate gland. There are two vas deferens, one left one right. Each is also referred to as the "Vas" or plural "Vasa".
Vasectomy - the common name for the surgical operation that severs or ligates the "Vas" (or vas deferens)
This information provides a general overview on the male reproductive system and may not apply in each individual case. Always consult with your physician to determine whether this information can be applied to your personal situation and to obtain additional information.
The information presented is not designed or intended as medical advice.
Author Kevin B. Clever DC
Copyright © 1999 by Kevin B. Clever DC. All rights reserved.
Revised: 16 Jun 2009 06:13:59 -0700.