Vas deferens is a part of the male reproductive system responsible for transporting sperm from the testicles. The spelling of the word may seem confusing, but it can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. "Vas" is pronounced /væs/ and is derived from the Latin word for "vessel". "Deferens" is pronounced /dɪˈfɛr.əns/ and comes from the Latin word for "carrying away". Together, the two words form the term "vas deferens", which describes the tube-like structure that carries sperm to the urethra during ejaculation.
The vas deferens is a biological structure found in the male reproductive system that plays a crucial role in the transportation of sperm. It is a long, narrow tube that connects the epididymis, a coiled duct located on the back of the testicles, to the urethra, the tube that carries both urine and semen out of the body. The vas deferens serves as a passageway for sperm to travel from the epididymis, where they mature, to the urethra, where they are released during ejaculation.
The vas deferens is responsible for carrying spermatozoa and other fluids, such as seminal fluid, from the testes to mix with fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral gland. These fluids collectively form semen, which is ejaculated during sexual intercourse. The contractions of the walls of the vas deferens facilitate the movement of sperm along its length.
In certain cases, individuals may undergo a vasectomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens to prevent the release of sperm during ejaculation. This procedure serves as a form of permanent contraception.
Overall, the vas deferens is a vital anatomical structure within the male reproductive system, playing a pivotal role in the transport of mature sperm and contributing to the process of fertilization.
Ductus deferens.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vas deferens" comes from Latin. "Vas" means "vessel" or "duct", and "deferens" means "carrying away" or "bearing down". The term was coined by the French surgeon Jean-Louis Petit in the 18th century to denote the duct responsible for carrying sperm from the testicles to the urethra during ejaculation.