Notes

Epididymis and Vas Deferens From the testes, the sperm travel, as shown by the arrows in Figure 2. Sperm first travel into a tightly coiled tube called an epididymis (EP uh DID i mis), which is where sperm mature and are stored. The mature sperm in each epi- didymis then move into a long tube called the vas deferens. As sperm travel through the vas deferens, they mix with fluids made by three organs--the seminal vesicles, the prostate accessory reproductive gland, and the bulbourethral glands. The mixture of sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive organs is a fluid known as semen. Semen leaves the male body by passing through the urethra. Seminal Vesicles The seminal vesicles are found near the base of the urinary bladder. They produce thick secretions that nourish the sperm and help sperm move easier Prostate Gland The prostate gland encircles the urethra near the bladder The prostate gland secretes a thin, milky fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the female reproductive system (Cowper's) Glands The bulbourethral (buhl boh Bulbourethral yoo REE thruhl), or Cowper's glands are found near the urethra below the prostate. Prior to ejaculation, this gland secretes a clear fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the male urethra.