Sperm Transport

Inside the seminiferous tubule of the testis, fluid from the Sertoli cells pushes the non-motile sperm through a series of straight tubules into the rete testis.

From these interconnected tubules, sperm is transported into the coiled efferent ductules.

Spermatozoa exit the testes through the efferent ductules and enter the ductus epididymis within the epididymis, where they undergo maturation.

Over two to three weeks, the sperm transit through the epididymis to acquire motility and maturity to fertilize the ovum.

The peristaltic contractions of the epididymis propel the mature sperm into the vas deferens.

Within the vas deferens, the mature sperm remains inactive maintaining a low metabolic rate.

During sexual arousal, peristaltic contractions propel the stored sperm toward the ejaculatory ducts.

The ejaculatory ducts pierce through the prostate gland and empty the sperm into the prostatic urethra.

During ejaculation, mature sperm and fluid from the accessory glands are expelled from the body through the urethra.