Which structure matures, stores, and transports sperm produced by the testes?

Which structure matures, stores, and transports sperm produced by the testes?

• A. Epididymis
• B. Prostate
• C. Seminal vesicle
• D. Vas deferens

Answer: (A)

Sperm mature, are stored, and begin their onward transport in the epididymis. This coiled tube sits along the back of each testis, and sperm spend time here after leaving the testes. In the epididymis, they undergo maturation, gaining motility and fertilizing ability, and are stored in the tail of the epididymis until ejaculation. During ejaculation, contractions push the mature sperm into the vas deferens, which then carries them toward the urethra. The other structures contribute fluids or transport sperm but do not provide maturation or storage. The prostate adds a fluid to semen, and the seminal vesicles contribute nutrients and other components, but neither is the site where sperm mature or are stored. The vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts, but maturation and storage occur earlier in the epididymis.

Sperm mature, are stored, and begin their onward transport in the epididymis. This coiled tube sits along the back of each testis, and sperm spend time here after leaving the testes. In the epididymis, they undergo maturation, gaining motility and fertilizing ability, and are stored in the tail of the epididymis until ejaculation. During ejaculation, contractions push the mature sperm into the vas deferens, which then carries them toward the urethra.

The other structures contribute fluids or transport sperm but do not provide maturation or storage. The prostate adds a fluid to semen, and the seminal vesicles contribute nutrients and other components, but neither is the site where sperm mature or are stored. The vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts, but maturation and storage occur earlier in the epididymis.