The ductus deferens, between 30 and 40 cm long, links the epididymis with the urethra. Immediately before the actual ejaculation rhythmic contractions take place in the smooth muscle tissue of the wall, propelling the sperm cells towards the ampoule and the urethra. This muscle-lined tube with a diameter of between 3 and 4 mm can be felt between the tail of the epididymis and the external groin opening. It feels like a liquorice shoelace. In this area the duct forms part of the seminal cord, which also consists of arteries and a network of veins, nerves and lymph vessels.
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The seminal cord is encased in structures originating from the abdominal wall, the fascia spermatica interna and the fascia spematica externa. Contained in this casing are the cremaster or transverse testicular muscles. From the inner inguinal ring the seminal duct runs along the inside of the abdominal wall, passing behind the bladder to the centre of the prostate. Close to the prostate, between the bladder
and the rectum, the duct widens into the ampoule (ampulla ductus deferentis). Within the prostate the duct narrows to the ejaculatory duct, or ductus ejaculatorius. The two ejaculatory ducts discharge at a point near the verumontanum, a thickening in the rear wall of the urethra that runs right through the prostate.
Appendices
Attached to the testicle and the epididymis are a number of appendices that are polyp-shaped, up to i cm long and up to 2 cm in diameter. These are: the appendix testis (Morgagni’s hydatid), the appendix epididymis, the paradidymis (organ of Giraldis), the superior vas aberrans superior (Haller’s organ) and the vas aberrans inferior.
An appendix testis is found in 90 per cent of men. It originates from remnants of Muller’s duct, a structure in the embryo from which female sex organs are made. The other appendices (remnants of mesonephric tubules) are much less common. An appendix to the epididymis is found in 30 per cent of men, the last three mentioned in a maximum of between i and 5 per cent. Torsion can result in acute pain in these organs — nearly always in the appendix testis — and in the atrophy of the appendix. There is, though, absolutely no need for an operation in such cases.
chapter two