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{{Short description|Male anatomical structures}}
{{Infobox Anatomy |
{{Infobox anatomy
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = ductus ejaculatorii |
| Name = Ejaculatory duct
| Latin = ductus ejaculatorius ({{plural form}}: ductus ejaculatorii)
GraySubject = 261 |
GrayPage = 1247 |
| Image = male anatomy 1.png
Image = male anatomy.png |
| Caption = Male anatomy
Caption = Male Anatomy |
| Image2 = Prostate - Gray1153.png
⚫
| Caption2 = [[Vesiculae seminales]] and ampullæ of [[ductus deferentes]], seen from the front. The anterior walls of the left [[Ampulla of ductus deferens|ampulla]], left [[seminal vesicle]], and prostatic [[urethra]] have been cut away.
Image2 = Gray1153.png |
⚫
| Width = 300
⚫
Caption2 = [[Vesiculæ seminales]] and ampullæ of [[ductus deferentes]], seen from the front. The anterior walls of the left [[ampulla]], left [[seminal vesicle]], and prostatic [[urethra]] have been cut away. |
Width = 300 |
| System =
|Artery=[[Inferior vesical artery]], [[middle rectal artery]]}}
⚫
System = |
MeshName = Ejaculatory+Ducts |
MeshNumber = A05.360.444.251 |
}}
The '''Ejaculatory ducts''' are paired structures in male [[anatomy]], about 2 cm in length.


Each ejaculatory duct is formed by the union of the [[vas deferens]] with the [[Excretory duct of seminal gland|duct of the seminal vesicle]]. They pass through the [[prostate]], and empty into the [[urethra]] at the [[Colliculus seminalis]]. During ejaculation, [[semen]] passes through the ducts and exits the body via the [[penis]].
The '''ejaculatory ducts''' (''ductus ejaculatorii'') are paired structures in the [[male reproductive system]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AAtrAAAAMAAJ|title=Handbook of andrology|last1=Andrology|first1=American Society of|year=1995}}</ref> Each ejaculatory duct is formed by the union of the [[vas deferens]] with the [[Excretory duct of seminal gland|duct of the seminal vesicle]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.asiaandro.com/archive/1008-682X/3/251.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165339/http://www.asiaandro.com/archive/1008-682X/3/251.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|title=Function of seminal vesicles and their role on male fertility|journal=Asian Journal of Andrology|date=December 3, 2001|pages=251–258}}</ref> They pass through the [[prostate]], and open into the [[urethra]] above the [[seminal colliculus]]. During [[ejaculation]], [[semen]] passes through the prostate gland, enters the urethra and exits the body via the [[urinary meatus]].<ref name="books.google.co.za">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mEgckDNkonUC&q=%22ejaculatory+duct%22+OR+%22ejaculatory+ducts%22|title=Andrology|isbn=9783540783558|last1=Nieschlag|first1=Eberhard|last2=Behre|first2=Hermann M.|last3=Nieschlag|first3=Susan|date=2010-01-13|publisher=Springer }}</ref>


==Function==
Surgery to correct [[Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia]] (BPH) may destroy these ducts resulting in[[ retrograde ejaculation]].

===Ejaculation===
{{Main|Ejaculation}}
Ejaculation occurs in two stages, the emission stage and the expulsion stage.<ref name="hswd">Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., Fichner-Rathus, L., Herold, E. S. (2010). ''Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity''. Pearsons Education Canada, Pearson Canada Inc. Toronto, ON.</ref> The emission stage involves the workings of several structures of the ejaculatory duct; contractions of the prostate gland, the [[seminal vesicles]], the [[bulbourethral gland]] and the [[vas deferens]] push fluids into the [[prostatic urethra]].<ref name="books.google.co.za"/> The semen is stored here until ejaculation occurs. Muscles at the base of the penis contract in order to propel the seminal fluid trapped in the prostatic urethra through the penile urethra and expel it through the [[urinary meatus]]. The ejaculate is expelled in spurts, due to the movement of the muscles propelling it. These muscle contractions are related to the sensations of orgasm for the male.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eCxSycu3TBUC&q=Human+Reproductive+Biology|title=Human Reproductive Biology|isbn=9780323144810|last1=Jones|first1=Mark M.|date=2012-12-02|publisher=Academic Press }}</ref>

[[Sperm]] are produced in the testes and enter the ejaculatory ducts via the vas deferens. As they pass by the seminal vesicles, a fluid rich in fructose combines with the sperm. This addition nourishes the sperm in order to keep them active and motile.<ref name="hslm">Esmail, S. (2010). ''HECOL 211 Human Sexuality Lecture Manual 2010''. Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.</ref> Seminal fluid continues down the ejaculatory duct into the prostate gland, where an alkaline prostatic fluid is added.<ref name="hswd" /> This addition provides the texture and odor associated with semen.<ref name="hswd" /> The alkalinity of the prostatic fluid serves to neutralize the acidity of the female vaginal tract in order to prolong the survival of sperm in this harsh environment.<ref name="hslm" /> Semen is now a fructose-rich, alkaline fluid containing sperm as it enters the bulbourethral glands below the prostate.<ref name="hslm" /> The bulbourethral glands secrete a small amount of clear fluid into the urethra before the ejaculate is expelled. The functions of this fluid are not entirely known but are suggested to aid in lubricating the male urethra in preparation for the semen during ejaculation.<ref name="hswd" /> The amount of semen produced and expelled during ejaculation corresponds to the length of time that the male is sexually aroused before ejaculation occurs.<ref name="hswd" /> Generally, the longer the period of arousal, the larger the amount of seminal fluid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andrologysociety.org/Andrology-Press/Andrology-Handbook,-2nd-Edition.aspx|title=American Society of Andrology - Andrology Handbook, 2nd Edition|access-date=2015-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416102147/http://andrologysociety.org/Andrology-Press/Andrology-Handbook,-2nd-Edition.aspx|archive-date=2015-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Ejaculation and [[orgasm]] may occur simultaneously, however they are not coupled, in that one may occur without the other. For example, a man may have a dry orgasm (termed [[retrograde ejaculation]]<ref>[http://www.fertilityfactor.com/infertility_male_infertility_retrograde_ejaculation.html Retrograde ejaculation treatments]</ref>); there is no expulsion of ejaculate however the man still experiences orgasm.<ref name="hswd" /> Also, paraplegics may ejaculate seminal fluid but not experience the sensation of orgasm.<ref name="hswd" />

==Clinical relevance==

===Ejaculatory duct obstruction===
⚫
{{Main|Ejaculatory duct obstruction}}
[[Ejaculatory duct obstruction]] is an acquired or congenital pathological condition in which one or both ejaculatory ducts are obstructed.<ref name="0-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.innopac.up.ac.za">{{cite journal |pmid=23733548 |year=2013 |last1=McQuaid |first1=J. W. |last2=Tanrikut |first2=C. |title=Ejaculatory duct obstruction: Current diagnosis and treatment |journal=Current Urology Reports |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=291–7 |doi=10.1007/s11934-013-0340-y |s2cid=12902575 }}</ref> In the case that both ejaculatory ducts are obstructed, this illness presents with the symptoms of [[aspermia]] and male [[infertility]].<ref name="0-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.innopac.up.ac.za"/><ref>{{cite journal |pmid=17055837|year=2006|author1=Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine|title=Report on management of obstructive azoospermia|journal=Fertility and Sterility|volume=86|issue=5 Suppl 1|pages=S259-63|doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.08.031|doi-access=free}}</ref>

===Benign prostatic hyperplasia===
{{Main|Benign prostatic hyperplasia}}
Surgery to correct [[benign prostatic hyperplasia]] may destroy these ducts resulting in [[retrograde ejaculation]]. Retrograde ejaculation empties the seminal fluid formed in the emission phase into the bladder of the male instead of expelling it through the urethra and out the tip of the penis.<ref name="hswd" /> This results in a dry orgasm, where orgasm may still be experienced but without expulsion of semen from the ejaculatory ducts.


==Additional images==
==Additional images==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Illu prostate lobes.jpg|Lobes of prostate
File:Illu prostate lobes.jpg|Lobes of prostate
File:Gray1156.png|Vertical section of bladder, penis and urethra
</gallery>
⚫
File:Gray1160.png|Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above
<gallery>
Image:Gray1156.png|Vertical section of bladder, penis, and urethra.
File:Gray1228.png|Median sagittal section of male pelvis
File:Prostatic urethra.svg|Dissection of prostate showing ejaculatory ducts opening into the prostatic urethra
</gallery>
<gallery>
⚫
Image:Gray1160.png|Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above.
</gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Gray1228.png|Median sagittal section of male pelvis.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Anatomy-terms}}
* [[Excretory duct of seminal gland]]
* [[Excretory duct of seminal gland]]
* [[Seminal vesicles]]
* [[Prostate]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 41: Line 56:


{{Male reproductive system}}
{{Male reproductive system}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Male reproductive system]]
[[Category:Mammal male reproductive system]]
[[Category:Andrology]]
[[Category:Andrology]]
[[Category:Penis]]
[[Category:Human penis anatomy]]

{{human-repro-stub}}

[[cs:Ejakulační vývod]]
[[dv:އިޖެކިއުލޭޓަރީ ޑަކްޓް]]
[[es:Conducto eyaculador]]
[[fr:Canal éjaculateur]]
[[pt:Ducto ejaculatório]]
⚫
[[simple:Ejaculatory duct]]

Latest revision as of 19:34, 7 October 2024

Ejaculatory duct
Male anatomy
Vesiculae seminales and ampullæ of ductus deferentes, seen from the front. The anterior walls of the left ampulla, left seminal vesicle, and prostatic urethra have been cut away.
Details
ArteryInferior vesical artery, middle rectal artery
Identifiers
Latinductus ejaculatorius (pl.: ductus ejaculatorii)
MeSHD004543
TA98A09.3.07.001
TA23636
FMA19325
Anatomical terminology

The ejaculatory ducts (ductus ejaculatorii) are paired structures in the male reproductive system.[1] Each ejaculatory duct is formed by the union of the vas deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle.[2] They pass through the prostate, and open into the urethra above the seminal colliculus. During ejaculation, semen passes through the prostate gland, enters the urethra and exits the body via the urinary meatus.[3]

Function

[edit]

Ejaculation

[edit]
Main article: Ejaculation

Ejaculation occurs in two stages, the emission stage and the expulsion stage.[4] The emission stage involves the workings of several structures of the ejaculatory duct; contractions of the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, the bulbourethral gland and the vas deferens push fluids into the prostatic urethra.[3] The semen is stored here until ejaculation occurs. Muscles at the base of the penis contract in order to propel the seminal fluid trapped in the prostatic urethra through the penile urethra and expel it through the urinary meatus. The ejaculate is expelled in spurts, due to the movement of the muscles propelling it. These muscle contractions are related to the sensations of orgasm for the male.[5]

Sperm are produced in the testes and enter the ejaculatory ducts via the vas deferens. As they pass by the seminal vesicles, a fluid rich in fructose combines with the sperm. This addition nourishes the sperm in order to keep them active and motile.[6] Seminal fluid continues down the ejaculatory duct into the prostate gland, where an alkaline prostatic fluid is added.[4] This addition provides the texture and odor associated with semen.[4] The alkalinity of the prostatic fluid serves to neutralize the acidity of the female vaginal tract in order to prolong the survival of sperm in this harsh environment.[6] Semen is now a fructose-rich, alkaline fluid containing sperm as it enters the bulbourethral glands below the prostate.[6] The bulbourethral glands secrete a small amount of clear fluid into the urethra before the ejaculate is expelled. The functions of this fluid are not entirely known but are suggested to aid in lubricating the male urethra in preparation for the semen during ejaculation.[4] The amount of semen produced and expelled during ejaculation corresponds to the length of time that the male is sexually aroused before ejaculation occurs.[4] Generally, the longer the period of arousal, the larger the amount of seminal fluid.[7]

Ejaculation and orgasm may occur simultaneously, however they are not coupled, in that one may occur without the other. For example, a man may have a dry orgasm (termed retrograde ejaculation[8]); there is no expulsion of ejaculate however the man still experiences orgasm.[4] Also, paraplegics may ejaculate seminal fluid but not experience the sensation of orgasm.[4]

Clinical relevance

[edit]

Ejaculatory duct obstruction

[edit]
Main article: Ejaculatory duct obstruction

Ejaculatory duct obstruction is an acquired or congenital pathological condition in which one or both ejaculatory ducts are obstructed.[9] In the case that both ejaculatory ducts are obstructed, this illness presents with the symptoms of aspermia and male infertility.[9][10]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

[edit]
Main article: Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Surgery to correct benign prostatic hyperplasia may destroy these ducts resulting in retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation empties the seminal fluid formed in the emission phase into the bladder of the male instead of expelling it through the urethra and out the tip of the penis.[4] This results in a dry orgasm, where orgasm may still be experienced but without expulsion of semen from the ejaculatory ducts.

Additional images

[edit]
  • Lobes of prostate
    Lobes of prostate
  • Vertical section of bladder, penis and urethra
    Vertical section of bladder, penis and urethra
  • Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above
    Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above
  • Median sagittal section of male pelvis
    Median sagittal section of male pelvis
  • Dissection of prostate showing ejaculatory ducts opening into the prostatic urethra
    Dissection of prostate showing ejaculatory ducts opening into the prostatic urethra

See also

[edit]
This article uses anatomical terminology.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Andrology, American Society of (1995). Handbook of andrology.
  2. ^ "Function of seminal vesicles and their role on male fertility". Asian Journal of Andrology: 251–258. December 3, 2001. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03.
  3. ^ a b Nieschlag, Eberhard; Behre, Hermann M.; Nieschlag, Susan (2010-01-13). Andrology. Springer. ISBN 9783540783558.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., Fichner-Rathus, L., Herold, E. S. (2010). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. Pearsons Education Canada, Pearson Canada Inc. Toronto, ON.
  5. ^ Jones, Mark M. (2012-12-02). Human Reproductive Biology. Academic Press. ISBN 9780323144810.
  6. ^ a b c Esmail, S. (2010). HECOL 211 Human Sexuality Lecture Manual 2010. Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
  7. ^ "American Society of Andrology - Andrology Handbook, 2nd Edition". Archived from the original on 2015-04-16. Retrieved 2015-04-16.
  8. ^ Retrograde ejaculation treatments
  9. ^ a b McQuaid, J. W.; Tanrikut, C. (2013). "Ejaculatory duct obstruction: Current diagnosis and treatment". Current Urology Reports. 14 (4): 291–7. doi:10.1007/s11934-013-0340-y. PMID 23733548. S2CID 12902575.
  10. ^ Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (2006). "Report on management of obstructive azoospermia". Fertility and Sterility. 86 (5 Suppl 1): S259-63. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.08.031. PMID 17055837.
[edit]
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