Examine the vas (or ductus) deferens (slide 152) with its three prominent layers of smooth muscle (Fig. 21-12) for rapid, peristaltic expulsion of sperm from the epididymis.

Where are the smooth muscle layers more prominent, in the vas deferens or the epididymis, and why?

Examine a transverse section of the spermatic cord (slide 52), which besides the vas deferens contains arteries, veins, nerves, etc. embedded in loose support tissue.

When a portion of this duct is removed in a vasectomy, what happens to the sperm in the epididymis?

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 (slide 124). 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 (Figs. 21-13 and 21-14).

What do the seminal vesicles secrete?

Now for the prostate.