4S 2 



APPLIED ANATOMY. 



THE SEMINAL VESICLES. 



The seminal vesicles are about 5 cm. (2 in.) long and lie on the bladder above the 

 prostate. They diverge on each side toward the ureters, which they overlap and which 

 intervene between the vesicles and bladder wall. The vasa deferentia run along the 

 inner border of the vesicles and join the ducts from the vesicles to form the common 

 ejaculatory ducts just before entering the posterior portion of the prostate. Their up- 

 per portion is covered by the peritoneum of the rectovesical pouch. They are fastened 

 to the bladder by the rectovesical fascia, and are in close relation with the prostatic 

 plexus and vesical veins. They are within reach of the finger introduced through the 

 anus and may be massaged and their contents expressed. They have been excised for 

 tuberculous disease. When normal they are not readily recognized by touch, but in 

 disease are easily felt. Operations on them are conducted like those of perineal pros- 



Bulhocavernosus 



Ischiocavernosus 



Cut edge recto- 



urethralis muscle 



Superficial transverse 



perineal muscle 



Internal pudic artery 

 and nerve 



Vas deferens 



Rectum, drawn back 



Bulb 



-Cut edge sphincter ani 

 "Membranous urethra 





FIG. 456. The prostate gland and seminal vesicles exposed by dividing the external sphincter and recto-urethralis 

 muscle and pulling the rectum forcibly back. 



tatectomy, but, as they lie higher, beyond the prostate, it is almost impossible to bring 

 them well into view for operative purposes. The seminal vesicles are nothing more 

 than blind diverticula from the vasa deferentia and partake of its diseases. The epi- 

 didymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate are all frequently involved in 

 tuberculosis of the genito-urinary tract (Fig. 456). 



THE VAS DEFERENS. 



When the vas deferens leaves the internal abdominal ring it winds around the 

 outer side of the deep epigastric artery and dips down over the brim of the pelvis 4 

 or 5 cm. (i$4 to 2 in. ) posterior to the pubic spine. It then runs downward and 

 backward on the side of the pelvis, under the peritoneum, crossing superficially the 



