Seminal Vesicles

Seminal vesicles (or seminal glands) are a pair of simple tubular glands posteroinferior to the urinary bladder of some male mammals. They secrete fluid that partly composes the semen.

Anatomy

The seminal vesicles are a pair of two convoluted tubulo-alveolar glands, located posterior to the urinary bladder and above the prostate gland. They are between 5 and 10 cm in length, but their full unfolded length is approximately 15 cm. The excretory duct of each seminal gland opens into the corresponding vas deferens as it enters the prostate gland.

Function

The seminal vesicles secrete a significant proportion of the fluid that ultimately becomes semen. The fluid consists of nutrients including fructose and citric acid, enzymes such as PSA and PAP, and other important factors for sperm motility and fertility.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the seminal vesicles can lead to symptoms such as hematospermia, and can be a cause of infertility. Inflammation of the seminal vesicles is known as seminal vesiculitis. Seminal vesicle cysts are an uncommon cause of infertility.

See also

• Prostate
• Vas deferens
• Semen
• Male reproductive system

References

Seminal Vesicles Resources
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