Vas Deferens: Vas Deferens is also know as ductus deferens. The Vas Deferens is a muscular tube that is located within the spermatic cord and is a major component of the male reproductive system. It is a continuation of the epididymis and is involved in transporting spermatozoa from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.

• It is 45 cm long and is initially convoluted but becomes straighter as it ascends in its course posterior to the testis and medial to the epididymis.
• It unites with the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct.
• The vas efferens, epididymis, vas deferens along with the rete testis forms the accessory sex ducts in males.
• It is a muscular tube that transports spermatozoa through the epididymis to the two ejaculatory ducts.
• The accompanying artery provides blood supply to the vas deferens. Also, the vas deferens is innervated by different nerve endings.
• From the epididymis, the vas deferens pass into the abdominal cavity via the inguinal canal.
• The terminal part of vas deferens is called the ampulla. This ampulla joins the seminal vesicles of the same side to form the ejaculatory duct.
• Two ejaculatory ducts are present and each of them receives sperm from the vas deferens and other secretions of the seminal vesicles. Both these ducts empty into a single urethra.

Functions of Vas Deferens

• The main function is to transport the spermatozoa from the epididymis all the way to the ejaculatory ducts.
• The sympathetic nervous system during ejaculation innervates the muscular layers of the ductus deferens causing them to generate strong peristaltic contractions to assist in the propulsion of the spermatozoa.
• It transports nature sperms to the urethra hence helps to prepare for ejaculation.
• The smooth muscles in the walls of the vas deferens during ejaculation reflexively contract causing sperms to move forward. This is peristalsis.
• Sperms are passed from vas deferens into the urethra mixing partially with the secretions from the male accessory glands such as the prostate glands, seminal vesicles and the bulbourethral glands.
• It is rendered with an artery of vas deferens which emerges from the superior or inferior vesical artery.

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By Team Learning Mantras