seminal vesicle
Noun: A seminal vesicle is one of a pair of small, sac-like glands in the male reproductive system. They are located behind the bladder and are connected to the vas deferens. Their primary function is to produce and secrete a fluid that makes up a significant portion of semen. This fluid provides nutrients for sperm and helps with their motility.
The term "seminal vesicle" is used in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to describe these specific glands. * The seminal vesicles contribute fructose and other substances to the seminal fluid. * During a physical examination, a doctor may check for tenderness in the area of the seminal vesicles. * Inflammation of the seminal vesicle is a condition known as seminal vesiculitis.
- Pathology: The term is used when discussing diseases or conditions affecting these glands, such as infection, cysts, or tumors of the seminal vesicle.
- Surgical Context: It appears in procedures like seminal vesicle aspiration or during radical prostatectomy, where care is taken to avoid damaging these structures.
- Seminal Vesicles (plural): The standard form when referring to the pair of glands.
- Vesicular Gland: A less common synonym.
- Seminal Fluid: The secretion produced by the seminal vesicles.
- Ejaculatory Duct: The duct formed by the union of the seminal vesicle duct and the vas deferens, which carries semen into the urethra.
- Vesicular gland (technical/less common)
The term is strictly anatomical. The word "seminal" here relates to "semen" or "seed," and "vesicle" means a small sac or bladder containing fluid. It does not have a metaphorical or general English usage outside of this specific biological context. There are no idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this term.
-
either of a pair of glands located on either side of the male urinary bladder that open into the vas deferens and that secrete many components of semen during ejaculation
