Seminal vesicles

Seminal vesicles, measuring 2–4 cm in length and 1–2 cm in diameter (Kim et al., 2002), are paired and lie
behind the posterior wall of the bladder and consist of epithelial tubular alveoli (goblet cells) separated by thin
layers of elastic fibrils and smooth-muscle cells. The seminal vesicles produce a fluid enriched in fructose
which contributes 50–80% of the entire ejaculatory volume (King et al., 1991). Sympathetic and
parasympathetic fibers coming from the pelvic plexus terminate in the seminal vesicles. The adrenergic
innervation to the seminal vesicles is distributed throughout the smooth-muscle layers. In contrast, the
cholinergic nerve endings are located at the level of the rich glandular epithelium of the seminal vesicles.
NANC fibers (VIP, NPY, SP, and NO) provide additional innervation to the seminal vesicles (Owman and
Stjernquist, 1988). Emitted seminal fluid can be stored within the lumen of the seminal vesicles until the
emission phase of ejaculation occurs. At that time, the fluid is injected into the ejaculatory ducts via strong
contractions of smooth-muscle cells. The ejaculatory ducts traverse the prostate and open into the prostatic
urethra in a prominent structure called verumontanum (Fig. 3.4).

Male Reproductive System

The seminal vesicles are one of the accessory sex glands common to rodents and humans. In all three species,
they are large, bilateral, sacculated glands dorsolateral to the urinary bladder. In rodents, each gland is up to
25 mm long, and curled with caudally directed anterior tips. The coagulating gland, which is the anterior
prostate in rodents, is bilaterally attached to the lesser curvature of the seminal vesicles(Fig. 18.1). In aged
rodents, the seminal vesicles may become very large and may occasionally undergo unilateral or bilateral
torsion with compromise of venous or arterial blood flow. The combined secretions of the seminal vesicles,
coagulating gland, and contributions from the bulbourethral gland form the seminal fluid in rodents. The
combined secretions of the seminal vesicles and coagulating gland form the seminal plug in male rodents. In the
human, the seminal vesicles measure 6 cm × 2 cm and, the seminal fluid is composed of the combined
secretions of the seminal vesiclesand prostate.
Seminal vesicle, either of two elongated saclike glands that secrete their fluid contents into the ejaculatory
ducts of some maleThe two seminal vesicles contribute approximately 60 percent of the fluids passed from the
human male during ejaculation (q.v.). In some mammals the capacity of the seminal vesicles is much larger; the
boar, for example, may emit up to 50 times as much seminal fluid. Carnivores, marsupials, monotremes, and
cetaceans do not have seminal vesicles.
The secretion of the seminal vesicles constitutes the bulk of the seminal fluid (semen). It is a thick fluid that
contains the sugar fructose, proteins, citric acid, inorganic phosphorus, potassium, and prostaglandins. Once this
fluid joins the sperm in the ejaculatory duct, fruct
mammals.

fructose acts as the main energy source for the sperm outside the body. Prostaglandins are believed to aid
fertilization by causing the mucous lining of the cervix to be more receptive to sperm as well as by aiding the
movement of the sperm toward the ovum with peristaltic contractions of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

In the sexually mature human male, the seminal vesicles are elongated bodies 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.75 inches) long
and about 2 to 3 cm wide. In each vesicle is a tubule 15 cm long that is highly coiled and convoluted;
surrounding this tube is connective tissue (blood and lymphatic vessels, nerve fibres, and supportive tissue). The
tubule itself is composed of three layers: the inner lining, a moist and folded mucous membrane; a muscle layer
of longitudinal and circular tissue; and a fibrous outside covering of elastic tissue. The mucous
membrane secretes the fluids contributed by the seminal vesicles; it is highly folded while the tube is empty and
can be distended without injury when its secretions cause it to fill the tubule. During ejaculation, the muscular
tissue and elastic fibres contract to empty the vesicle’s contents into the ejaculatory ducts shortly after the vas
deferens has emptied the sperThe size and activity of the seminal vesicles are controlled by hormones.
Production of androgen, the major hormone that influences the growth and activity of the seminal vesicles,
begins at puberty and starts to decline at about the age of 30. In the absence of this hormone, the seminal
vesicles will degenerate (atrophy).m into those ducts

The seminal vesicles (Latin: glandulae vesiculosae), vesicular glands,[1] or seminal glands, are a pair of
simple tubular glands posteroinferior to the urinary bladder of some male mammals. Seminal vesicles are
located within the pelvis. They secrete fluid that partly composes the semen.

Structure
The seminal vesicles are a pair of glands that are positioned below the urinary bladderand lateral to the vas
deferens. Each vesicle consists of a single tube folded and coiled on itself, with occasional diverticula in its
wall.[2]
The excretory duct of each seminal gland unites with the corresponding vas deferens to form the
two ejaculatory ducts, which immediately pass through the substance of the prostate gland before opening
separately into the verumontanum of the prostatic urethra.[2][3]
Each seminal vesicle spans approximately 5 cm, though its full unfolded length is approximately 10 cm, but it is
curled up inside the gland's structure.

Development
Each vesicle forms as an outpocketing of the wall of the ampulla of one vas deferens. The seminal vesicles
develop as one of three structures of the male reproductive system that develops at the junction between the
urethra and vas deferens. The vas deferens is derived from the mesonephric duct, a structure that develops
from mesoderm.[4]
Histology
 Under microscopy, the seminal vesicles can be seen to have a mucosa, consisting of a lining of interspersed
columnar cells and a lamina propria; and a thick muscular wall. The lumen of the glands is highly irregular and
stores secretions from the glands of the vesicles. In detail:[5]
 The epithelium is pseudostratified columnar in character, similar to other tissues in the male reproductive
system.

The height of these columnar cells, and therefore activity, is dependent upon testosteronelevels in the blood.
 The lamina propria, containing underlying small blood vessels and lymphatics. Together with the epithelia, this
is called the mucosa, and is arranged into convoluted folds, increasing the overall surface area
 A muscular layer, consisting of an inner circular and outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle, can also be
found.

Spermatozoa may occasionally be found within the lumen of the glands, even though the vesicles are blind-
ended in nature. This is thought to be because of slight reflux due to muscular contractions of the urethra during
ejaculation.[5]
 Low magnification micrograph of seminal vesicle. H&E stain.

 High magnification micrograph of seminal vesicle. H&E stain.

Function
The seminal vesicles secrete a significant proportion of the fluid that ultimately
becomes semen. Lipofuscin granules from dead epithelial cells give the secretion its yellowish color. About 70-
85%[6] of the seminal fluid in humans originates from the seminal vesicles, but is not expelled in the
first ejaculate fractions which are dominated by spermatozoa and zinc-rich prostatic fluid. The excretory duct of
each seminal gland opens into the corresponding vas deferens as it enters the prostate gland. Seminal vesicle
fluid is alkaline, resulting in human semen having a mildly alkaline pH.[7] The alkalinity of semen helps
neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract[citation needed], prolonging the lifespan of sperm. Acidic ejaculate
(pH <7.2) may be associated with ejaculatory duct obstruction. The vesicles produce semenogelin, a protein that
causes semen to become sticky and jelly-like after ejaculation.
The thick secretions from the seminal vesicles contain proteins, enzymes, fructose, mucus, vitamin
C, flavins, phosphorylcholine and prostaglandins. The high fructose concentrations provide nutrient energy for
the spermatozoa when stored in semen in the laboratory.
In vitro studies have shown that sperm expelled together with seminal vesicular fluid show poor motility and
survival, and the sperm chromatin is less protected. Therefore, the exact physiological importance of seminal
vesicular fluid is not clear.[citation needed]
The development and maintenance of the seminal vesicles, as well as their secretion and size/weight, are highly
dependent on androgens.[8][9] The seminal vesicles contain 5α-reductase, which metabolizes testosterone into
its much more potent metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).[9] The seminal vesicles have also been found to
contain luteinizing hormone receptors, and hence may also be regulated by the ligand of this
receptor, luteinizing hormone.[9]
Clinical significance
Physical examination of the seminal vesicles is difficult. Laboratory examination of seminal vesicle fluid
requires a semen sample, e.g. for semen culture or semen analysis. Fructose levels provide a measure of seminal
vesicle function and, if absent, bilateral agenesis or obstruction is suspected.[10]
Disorders of the seminal vesicles include seminal vesiculitis, acquired cysts, abscess, congenital
anomalies (such as agenesis, hypoplasiaand cysts), amyloidosis, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, hydatid
cyst, calculi (stones) and tumours.[10][11]
Primary adenocarcinoma of the seminal vesicles, although rare, constitutes the most common neoplasm of the
seminal vesicles; even rarer neoplasms include sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, yolk sac tumor,
neuroendocrine carcinoma, paraganglioma, epithelial stromal tumors and lymphoma.[12]
Inflammation
Seminal vesiculitis (also known as spermatocystitis) is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, most often
caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms of seminal vesiculitis can include vague back or lower abdominal pain;
penile, scrotal, or perineal pain; painful ejaculation; hematospermia; irritative and obstructive voiding
symptoms; and impotence.[13]
It is usually treated by administration of antibiotics. In intractable cases, in case of patient discomfort,
transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy may be considered.[14][15]
Evolution
The evolution of seminal vesicles may have been influenced by sexual selection. They occur in many groups of
mammals, but are absent in marsupials, monotremes, and carnivoran