SEMINAL VESICLES
- Is an accessory gland
- Located behined the urinary bladder above the prostate.
- 10-15 cm approximately.
- Retroperitoneal except tip = intraperitoneal.
Parts:
- Composed of a single duct that has multiple convolutions.
Seminal gland and its ducts
- 1 Seminal gland (glandula vesiculosa)
- 2 Excretory duct (ductus excretorius) – a duct of the seminal gland joining the ductus defere
- 3 Ejaculatory duct (ductus ejaculatorius) – a common duct formed by the union of the excretory duct and ductus deferens
Function:
The secretions of the seminal vesicle have a key role in the normal functioning of semen السائل المنوي (making up 70% of its total volume).
Regional anatomy:
- 4 The posterior wall of the urinary bladder lies anteriorly
- 5 The rectovesical pouch of the peritoneal cavity is located posteriorly
- 6 The ampulla of the ductus deferens is situated medially
- 7 The prostate is found caudally
- These secreations contain:
Alkaline fluid – neutralises the acidity of the male urethra and vagina in order to facilitate the surival of spermatozoa.
Fructose – provides an energy source for spermatozoa.
Prostaglandins – have a role in suppressing the female immune response to foreign semen.
Clotting factors – designed to keep semen in the female reproductive tract post-ejaculation.
The remaining volume of semen is made up of testicular spermatozoa, prostatic secretions and mucus from the bulbourethral gland.