View source for Vas deferens

{{Infobox Anatomy | 
  Name         = Vas deferens |
  Latin       
  GraySubject  = 259 |
  GrayPage     = 1245 |
  Image        = male anatomy.png |
  Caption      = Male Anatomy|
  Image2       = Gray1149.png |
  Caption2     = Vertical section of the [[testis]], to show the arrangement of the ducts. |
  Width        = 300 |
  System       = |
  Artery       = [[Superior vesical artery]], [[Artery of the ductus deferens]] |
  Vein         = |
  Nerve        = |
  Lymph        = [[external iliac lymph nodes]], [[internal iliac lymph nodes]]  |
  Precursor    = [[Wolffian duct]] |
  MeshName     = Vas+Deferens |
  MeshNumber   = A05.360.444.930 |
}} 
{{SI}}
{{CMG}}
__NOTOC__


==Overview==

The '''vas deferens''' (plural: vasa deferentia), also called '''ductus deferens''', ([[Latin]]: "carrying-away vessel") is part of the [[male]] [[anatomy]] of some species, including humans. 

==Structure==
There are two such ducts; they are muscular tubes (surrounded by [[smooth muscle]]) connecting the left and right [[epididymis]] to the [[ejaculatory duct]]s in order to move [[spermatozoon|sperm]]. Each tube is about 30 centimeters long (in humans). 

They are part of the [[spermatic cord]]s.

==Function in ejaculation==
During [[ejaculation]] the smooth muscle in the walls of the ductus deferens or vas deferens contracts reflexively, thus propelling the sperm forward. This is also known as peristalsis. The sperm is transferred from the vas deferens into the urethra, collecting secretions from the male accessory sex glands such as the seminal vesicles, prostate gland and the bulbourethral glands, which form the bulk of semen.

==Significance in contraception==
The procedure of '''deferentectomy''', popularly known as a [[vasectomy]], is a method of [[contraception]] in which the vasa deferentia (Latin plural) are permanently cut, though in some cases it can be reversed. A modern variation, which is also popularly known as a vasectomy even though it does not include cutting the vas, involves injecting an obstructive material into the ductus to block the flow of sperm.

Investigational attempts for male contraception have focused on the vas with the use of the [[intra vas device]] and [[reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance]] (RISUG).

==Blood supply==
The vas deferens is supplied by an accompanying artery (artery of vas deferens).  This artery normally arises from the superior vesical artery, itself a branch of the internal iliac artery.

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 Image:Illu repdt male.jpg|Male reproductive system.
 Image:Gray402.png|Coronal section of pelvis, showing arrangement of fasciæ. Viewed from behind. 
 Image:Gray547.png|The relations of the femoral and abdominal inguinal rings, seen from within the abdomen. Right side.
 Image:Gray1146.png|The spermatic cord in the inguinal canal.
 Image:Gray1152.png|Fundus of the bladder with the vesiculæ seminales.
 Image:Gray1156.png|Vertical section of bladder, penis, and urethra.
 Image:Gray1160.png|Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above.
 Image:Illu quiz prostate01.jpg|Prostate
 Image:Vas deferens.JPG|Microscopic cross section.
</gallery>

== See also ==

* [[Intra vas device]]
* [[Cystic fibrosis]]
* [[Excretory duct of seminal gland]]

==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|36|07|03|01}} - "Inguinal Region, Scrotum and Testes: Layers of the Spermatic Cord"
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|44|02|03|01}} - "The Male Pelvis: Distribution of the Peritoneum in the Male Pelvis"
* {{MedicalMnemonics|2424|319||}}
* {{ViennaCrossSection|pelvis/pelvis-e12-15}}
* {{NormanAnatomy|inguinalregion}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|testes}}) 

{{Male reproductive system}}


[[Category:Male reproductive system]]

[[cs:Chámovod]]
[[de:Samenleiter]]
[[dv:މަނި ހޮޅި]]
[[es:Conducto deferente]]
[[fr:Canal déférent]]
[[it:Dotto deferente]]
[[he:צינור הזרע]]
[[la:Vas deferens]]
[[lt:Sėklinis latakas]]
[[nl:Zaadleider]]
[[nds:Samenleider]]
[[pl:Nasieniowód]]
[[pt:Ducto deferente]]
[[simple:Vas deferens]]
[[sl:Semenovod]]
[[fi:Siemenjohdin]]
[[sv:Sädesledare]]
[[te:శుక్రవాహిక]]
[[zh:输精管]]

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