Inflammatory Conditions of the Male Excurrent Ductal System. Part I.

Physiologically, the endocrinologic interplay between testes and pituitary gland results in the production of spermatozoa. Before serving their role in fertilizing oocytes, spermatozoa must exit the testis and pass through a complex excurrent ductal system that includes the efferent ductules, epididymis, and vas deferens, which leads to the ejaculatory duct. Pathological conditions in any part of the excurrent ductal system obviously may have a significant effect on spermatozoa transport, resulting in subfertility or infertility. In addition to spermatozoa, semen is composed of secretions from a series of glandular organs, including the prostate, seminal vesicles, the bulbourethral (Cowper) gland and periurethral (Littre ) gland. Collectively, these organs are known as the male accessory glands.