seemnepõiekesed

Seemnepõiekesed, also known as seminal vesicles, are a pair of glands in the male reproductive system. They are located behind the urinary bladder and above the prostate gland. Each seminal vesicle is a convoluted tube that forms a sac-like structure. Their primary function is to produce and store a significant portion of the fluid that makes up semen.

The seminal fluid produced by these glands is alkaline, which helps to neutralize the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract, increasing sperm viability. This fluid also contains fructose, a sugar that provides energy for sperm motility, as well as prostaglandins, which stimulate muscle contractions in the female reproductive organs to aid in sperm transport.

During ejaculation, the smooth muscle walls of the seminal vesicles contract, expelling their contents into the ejaculatory ducts. These ducts then merge with the vas deferens to form the urethra, through which semen is expelled from the body. The seminal vesicles are regulated by androgens, such as testosterone. Their development and function are crucial for male fertility.