Sperm duct
- Pronunciation
- /spurm duhkt/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Sperm duct
- Plural
- Sperm ducts
Definition
A tube or passage through which sperm travel from the testes to the outside of the body or to the female reproductive system in various insects and arachnids.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'sperma' meaning 'seed' and 'ductus' meaning 'a leading'.
Example
In male spiders, the sperm duct channels sperm from the testes to the pedipalps where it is transferred to the female.
Synonyms
- Vas deferens
- Seminal duct
Related Terms
Usage Notes
The structure and function of sperm ducts can vary significantly between different species of insects and arachnids.