The tightly coiled tube that leads to the vas deferens is the _____.
a. Inguinal canal b. Seminal vesicle c. Prostate gland d. Epididymis
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. Epididymis.
The epididymis is a tightly coiled tube that is attached to the back of each testicle. It plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system. The primary function of the epididymis is to store and mature sperm. As sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, they enter the epididymis where they undergo further maturation and become capable of fertilizing an egg.
The epididymis is divided into three parts: the head, body, and tail. The sperm first enter the head of the epididymis, where they are stored temporarily before moving to the body and tail. By the time sperm reach the tail, they are fully mature and ready to be ejaculated.
When ejaculation occurs, sperm are transported from the epididymis through the vas deferens, a long tube that connects to the urethra, where they mix with seminal fluid to form semen. The epididymis also serves as a site for sperm storage, ensuring that there is a continuous supply of sperm available during ejaculation.
The other options listed are not correct in this context:
- The inguinal canal is a passage in the lower anterior abdominal wall through which structures like the spermatic cord pass but is not involved in sperm maturation.
- The seminal vesicle is a gland that produces seminal fluid, which contributes to semen, but it is not involved in the maturation of sperm.
- The prostate gland also contributes to the fluid component of semen but does not store or mature sperm.
In summary, the epididymis is the essential structure where sperm mature and are stored before ejaculation.