Seminal vesicles

Definition

Seminal vesicles are a pair of glands located near the base of the bladder in males, responsible for producing a significant portion of the fluid that composes semen. This fluid is rich in fructose, proteins, and various enzymes, which help nourish and transport sperm during ejaculation. The secretions from the seminal vesicles mix with sperm from the testes in the vas deferens to form semen, playing a crucial role in male reproductive health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Seminal vesicles contribute about 60-70% of the total volume of semen, highlighting their importance in male fertility.
2. The fluid produced by seminal vesicles contains fructose, which provides energy for sperm motility during their journey to fertilize an egg.
3. These glands also secrete prostaglandins, which play a role in stimulating uterine contractions, potentially aiding sperm movement toward the egg.
4. Dysfunction or abnormalities in the seminal vesicles can lead to conditions like infertility or issues with semen quality.
5. Seminal vesicles can be affected by various health conditions, including infections or tumors, which may require medical intervention.

Review Questions

• How do seminal vesicles contribute to the composition and function of semen?
  • Seminal vesicles play a crucial role in producing a significant portion of semen, contributing around 60-70% of its total volume. The fluid they secrete contains vital nutrients such as fructose that energize sperm and prostaglandins that may assist with uterine contractions during fertilization. This combination enhances sperm viability and mobility, making seminal vesicles essential for successful reproduction.
• Discuss the relationship between seminal vesicles and male fertility issues.
  • Seminal vesicles are key players in male fertility due to their role in semen production. If these glands are dysfunctional or inflamed, they can lead to reduced seminal fluid output or poor-quality semen. Such issues may result in infertility or difficulty achieving pregnancy, highlighting the importance of regular health check-ups for men to monitor reproductive health and address potential problems early.
• Evaluate the impact of hormonal regulation on the function of seminal vesicles and overall male reproductive health.
  • Hormonal regulation significantly influences the function of seminal vesicles and male reproductive health overall. Testosterone is essential for stimulating the growth and activity of these glands. If hormone levels are imbalanced due to conditions like hypogonadism, it can negatively impact seminal vesicle function, leading to decreased semen production and potential fertility issues. Understanding this connection helps in diagnosing and treating male reproductive health concerns more effectively.

Related terms

sperm: The male reproductive cell that carries genetic material and is necessary for fertilization of the female egg.

prostate gland:

A gland located below the bladder that produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm, contributing to semen composition.

vas deferens: The duct that transports sperm from the testes to the ejaculatory duct, where it mixes with seminal fluid before ejaculation.