Commonly known as the vas deferens
Structure and Course
The vas deferens is a muscular tube, 45 cm long, that connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. It begins at the tail of the epididymis within the scrotum, before passing superiorly as part of the spermatic cord. After passing through the external and internal inguinal rings, it ascends in the anterior abdominal wall before curving laterally. Passing over the external iliac vessels and the ureter, it then passes between the seminal gland and the bladder before descending. On reaching the prostate gland, it units with the duct of the seminal gland to form the ejaculatory duct.
The ductus deferens is notable for a very thick wall relative to the lumen, which contracts under sympathetic control to propel sperm into the ejaculatory duct.
