How Do You Spell DUCTUS DEFERENS?

1. The ductus deferens is a medical term referring to a narrow, muscular tube that plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system. Also known as the vas deferens, it is a part of the spermatic cord and serves as a passageway for sperm cells to travel from the testes to the urethra. This anatomical structure is responsible for transporting mature sperm from the epididymis, where they are stored, to the urethra during ejaculation.

   Beginning at the epididymis, the ductus deferens ascends through the inguinal canal, passing behind the bladder, and then slightly curving downward to join the ejaculatory duct. Along its course, the ductus deferens is encased by layers of smooth muscles that contract during sexual stimulation. These contractions propel the sperm forward through peristaltic movement and assist in the forceful expulsion of semen during ejaculation.

   The function of the ductus deferens is integral to the process of fertilization. Once sperm reach the urethra through this duct, they mix with seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, collectively forming semen. During sexual intercourse, semen is expelled through the urethra, allowing sperm to be deposited in the female reproductive tract.

   Due to its role in male fertility, the ductus deferens can be a target for surgical procedures, such as vasectomy, which involves the cutting or blocking of the duct to prevent sperm from reaching the seminal fluid. This procedure is one of the most effective forms of contraception available to men.

2. Vas deferens, the excretory duct of the testicle, running from the epididymis, of which it is the continuation, to the prostatic urethra where it terminates as the ductus ejaculatorius.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for DUCTUS DEFERENS

The term "Ductus Deferens" is derived from Latin.

The word "ductus" comes from the Latin verb "ducere", which means "to lead" or "to carry". It is a past participle form of the verb, meaning "carried" or "transported".

The word "deferens" is also derived from the Latin verb "deferre", which means "to carry away" or "to bear". Similar to "ductus", "deferens" is a past participle form of the verb, indicating something that carries or bears away.

When combined, "ductus deferens" essentially translates to "carrying or transporting away". In human anatomy, it specifically refers to the duct or tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation.