Examine the vas (or ductus) deferens with its three prominent layers of smooth muscle for rapid, peristaltic expulsion of sperm from the epididymis.

Examine a transverse section of the spermatic cord, which besides the vas deferens contains arteries, veins, nerves, etc. embedded in loose support tissue.

What does the muscularis tell you about the function of the vas deferens?

Glands -- paired seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, both with highly folded secretory mucosae within distinct capsules. The anatomical relationship these glands to the urinary bladder is shown on the next page.

Examine a section of the seminal vesicle. Identify columnar/cuboidal epithelium (it may appear pseudostratified) on the thin, highly folded lamina propria and the very prominent wall of smooth muscle surrounding the secretory components.

What components of semen do the seminal vesicles produce?

Now for the prostate.