The vas deferens is the connection between the urethra and the epididymis. It serves to transmit sperm and is extremely sensitive. A variety of complaints, can occur in connection with the vas deferens.
What is the vas deferens?
Schematic diagram for contraception through a vasectomy (severing of the vas deferens). Click to enlarge. The vas deferens is the part of the human body that connects the epididymis and urethra. It is located in the buttocks and is a part of the spermatic cord. As such, coming from the epididymis, it passes through the inguinal canal, then runs along the urinary bladder, passes through the vesicular gland, and opens into the urethra in the area of the seminal mound. The vas deferens is an important part of reproduction, but is not necessary for organismu itself. Therefore, some men decide to stop it. However, this vasectomy can lead to diseases of the vas deferens for as well as unprotected intercourse.
Anatomy and structure
The vas deferens is an internal hollow organ. It resembles a tube and has a thin mucosa, a muscular layer, and a smooth lining, which is also called the tunica serosa. The mucosa in the vas deferens has longitudinal folds, but there is no separate tissue layer. In addition, the walls contain a so-called epithelium. This is glandular tissue, which consists of several layers and serves to protect the vas deferens. It is also essential for secretion. The most important glands are located in the epithelium, but they are mainly located in the area of the vas deferens, i.e. at the urethra. The most important component of the vas deferens is the vas deferens ampulla. This is located at the end of the vas deferens and contains glandular packets, which are also referred to as glandulae ampullae in medical terminology. These glandular packets are externally visible in humans. The ampulla belongs to the accessory sex glands and is thus a part of the seminal fluid. Since it is located near the urethra, it has direct contact with the important glands.
Function and tasks
Basically, the vas deferens has only the task of transporting the sperm filaments from the epididymis into the urethra. However, this occurs only after the appropriate contraction of the thick muscle layer. If this is stimulated, the sperm filaments from the epididymis are literally sucked in. Subsequently, they are forced into the urethra, where they are excreted. This is a complex process. For example, the position of the vas deferens allows the absorption of various secretions, which enter the sperm during contraction. They are responsible for nourishing the sperm cells and guaranteeing their motility. Thus, it can be said that the function of the vas deferens is to carry the sperm into the urethra, where they are then excreted. Thus, it is an important component of reproduction in humans and animals.
Diseases and ailments
The vas deferens itself can become diseased in a variety of ways. For example, it can be affected by chlamydial infection. This is a sexually transmitted disease, which is transmitted through unprotected intercourse. The symptoms appear about 7 to 14 days later and affect both the vas deferens and the adjacent body regions such as the testicles and urethra. This results in pain during urination as well as purulent discharge. If the vas deferens is affected, in the worst case it can lead to inability to conceive. If the disease becomes chronic, it can also lead to a narrowing of the vas deferens. This can lead to further inflammation, abscesses and cysts. In addition, a so-called funiculitis can develop. This is an inflammation of the spermatic cords and thus also of the vas deferens. Similar to the vas deferensitis itself, it sometimes results in severe pain and, in a chronic course, damage to the vas deferens. This often results in infertility. In addition, the diseases triggers fever and complex adhesions in the area of the vas deferens. Furthermore, the spermatic cords can of course also be affected by cancer. The consequence here is also infertility. Benign or malignant tumors can also occur and impede the flow of sperm. Inflammation of the epididymis may also be transmitted to the vas deferens.Since the epididymis is an extremely sensitive region, the pain from inflammation generally radiates to the vas deferens. Similar to an infection, an inflammation is mainly triggered by sexually transmitted germs. In addition to the aforementioned chlamydia, this also involves the gonorrhea (gonorrhea) pathogens. Older people in particular suffer from residual sperm remaining in the vas deferens, which can also cause inflammation. Lastly, problems can arise from a vasectomy. Wound infections, adhesions, or swelling of the operated area are common complaints of people who have had a vasectomy.
