Reproductive system · Pelvis · Male
Ejaculatory ducts !
The ejaculatory ducts are two short ducts through the prostate, formed where each ductus deferens meets a seminal vesicle; they carry semen into the urethra.
Official name: Ejaculatory duct
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What it is
Two short ducts, about 2 cm long, each formed where a ductus deferens joins a seminal vesicle; they run through the central zone of the prostate.
What it does
Carry sperm and seminal fluid into the prostatic urethra, opening on the verumontanum.
Key facts
- Where
- About 2 cm; formed at the prostate base by the ampulla of the ductus deferens and the seminal vesicle duct; run through the central zone
- Function
- Carry sperm and seminal vesicle fluid at emission; obstruction gives low-volume, acidic, fructose-poor semen with no sperm
- Into
- Prostatic urethra on the verumontanum, one on each side of the prostatic utricle
Relations
- Course
- From the base of the prostate, behind the bladder neck, down and forward through the central zone to the verumontanum, one on each side of the prostatic utricle
- Above
- Ampullae of the ductus deferens and the seminal vesicles, whose ducts join to form them
- Behind
- Peripheral zone and, beyond it, the rectum
How to find it
Not palpable. In dissection each duct starts at the base of the prostate, where the seminal vesicle duct joins the ampulla of the ductus deferens, and runs forward and down through the gland. On cystourethroscopy their two slit-like openings lie on the verumontanum, beside or just inside the opening of the prostatic utricle.
On imaging
Transrectal ultrasound or MRI looks for a dilated duct, dilated seminal vesicles, a midline prostatic (utricular) cyst or stones along the duct.
Common problems
- A blockage (rare) lowers the volume of semen and can cause infertility.
How it is diagnosed
Semen analysis; transrectal ultrasound or MRI.
Clinical notes
- Obstruction may be congenital (midline cysts, atresia) or acquired (infection, stones, scarring after surgery); pain on ejaculation and blood in the semen can be clues
- Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts at the verumontanum can relieve obstruction
Development
Formed by the end of the mesonephric (Wolffian) duct beyond the point where the seminal vesicle buds off.
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
How is each ejaculatory duct formed, and where does it open?
By the ampulla of the ductus deferens joining the seminal vesicle duct; it opens on the verumontanum beside the prostatic utricle.
What semen findings suggest ejaculatory duct obstruction?
Low-volume, acidic, fructose-poor semen with no sperm.
How can ejaculatory duct obstruction be relieved?
By transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts at the verumontanum; it is a correctable cause of male infertility.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ductus ejaculatorius
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Conducto eyaculador
- English (TA2)
- Ejaculatory duct
Related
Sources: Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Male Genitourinary Tract; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): The Ejaculatory Ducts (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
