MCAT Biology Question — Male Gamete Pathway

  • Reviewed By: Liz Flagge
  • Which of the following is the pathway of the male gamete from production in the testis to ejaculation?

    1. Seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra, penis
    2. Seminiferous tubules, ejaculatory duct, vas deferens, epididymis, urethra, penis
    3. Epididymis, seminiferous tubules, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra, penis
    4. Epididymis, seminiferous tubules, ejaculatory duct, vas deferens, urethra, penis
    Click for Explanation

    This question asks the examinee to identify the correct pathway that sperm cells take from development to ejaculation. Spermatagonia undergo meiosis in the seminiferous tubules, which are located in the testis producing spermatozoa. Once the spermatozoa exit the seminiferous tubules, they enter the epididymis where the cell acquires motility functions necessary for fertilization. Next, the cell enters the vas deferens, which transports mature sperm to the ejaculatory duct. At the ejaculatory duct, the sperm cells mix with fluids secreted from the seminal vesicles producing semen. Lastly, the semen enters the urethra and exits the body via the penis. Thus, answer choice A is the correct answer.

    Remember, the pathway of sperm follows SEVEn UP (S = seminiferous tubules, E = epididymis, V = vas deferens, E = ejaculatory duct, n = nothing, U = urethra, P = penis).

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