Morphology of ejaculatory ducts: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Histology
• Urology

Background:

• The precise macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of human ejaculatory ducts remains incompletely understood.
• Establishing a clear anatomical description is crucial for understanding reproductive and urinary tract function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of adult human ejaculatory ducts.
• To provide a comprehensive description of ejaculatory duct morphology, course, and dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases.
• Inclusion of studies on adult human ejaculatory duct anatomy, histology, radiology, and embryology published before November 1, 2019.
• Exclusion of studies on pathological conditions and case reports; data extraction by independent authors.

Main Results:

• Ejaculatory ducts typically enter the prostate centrally at its base, curving anteromedially.
• The ducts follow a generally straight path toward the seminal colliculus, with diverging terminal portions entering the prostatic urethra.
• Mean duct length varies from 1.4 to 2.2 cm, with a gradually decreasing luminal diameter towards the seminal colliculus; terminal morphology shows inconsistency.

Conclusions:

• Human ejaculatory ducts exhibit a characteristic course within the prostate, angling anteromedially and proceeding straight to the seminal colliculus.
• While the general pathway is consistent, significant variability exists in the morphology and dimensions of the terminal ejaculatory ducts.