Which structure is involved in storing sperm until ejaculation?

The epididymis plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by storing sperm until ejaculation. This coiled tube is located at the back of each testis and serves multiple functions, including allowing sperm to mature and gaining the motility needed for fertilization. As sperm travel from the testis, they enter the epididymis where they remain for a certain period, during which they undergo further development. When ejaculation occurs, sperm move from the epididymis into the vas deferens, where they are transported to the urethra for expulsion out of the body.

The other structures mentioned have different functions: the vas deferens is involved in transporting sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct, the urethra serves as the final passage for urine and semen but does not store sperm, and the seminal vesicle produces fluid that nourishes sperm and forms a significant portion of semen, but it is not a storage site for sperm itself. Understanding these distinct roles reinforces the significance of the epididymis in sperm storage and maturation in the male reproductive process.