Vas deferens

The vas deferens is a muscular duct that carries sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation.

Epididymis: A coiled duct on the testis where sperm mature and are stored. Sperm enter the vas deferens from the epididymis.
Smooth muscle: Involuntary muscle tissue found in the walls of many hollow organs. Its thick layers form the contractile wall of the vas deferens.
Vasectomy: A surgical procedure that blocks or cuts the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen. It prevents sperm transport by interrupting this duct.
Mesonephric duct: An embryonic duct that contributes to parts of the male reproductive tract. The vas deferens develops from the mesonephric duct.
Ureter: A muscular tube that carries urine from a kidney to the bladder. It is nearby and also transports fluid, but carries urine rather than sperm.
Peristalsis: Wave-like contractions of smooth muscle that move contents through a tubular organ. Contractions of the vas deferens propel sperm during ejaculation.
Mucosa: A moist tissue layer lining cavities and passages that connect with the exterior. The vas deferens lumen is lined by a folded mucosa.
Vasovasostomy: Surgery that reconnects the cut ends of a vas deferens after vasectomy. It restores continuity to the duct after surgical interruption.
Wolffian duct: Another name for the mesonephric duct, an embryonic structure in vertebrates. This historical name is often used when describing vas deferens development.
Urethra: A tube that carries urine out of the body and, in males, also carries semen. Unlike the vas deferens, it conveys semen toward the exterior.

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