Glossary of Terms
Epididymus - a narrow, tightly coiled tube connecting the efferent ducts from the rear of each testicle to its vas deferns.
Microsurgery - dissection of tissues under the microscope, usually involving the use of a micromanipulator.
Vasectomy - removal of all or a segment of the vas deferens.
General Anesthesia - the state of total unconsciousness resulting from the administration of anesthetic drugs.
Local Anesthesia - any technique to render part of the body insensitive to pain without affecting consciousness.
Prostate Gland - a compound tubuloalveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive system, slightly larger than a walnut located just below the urinary bladder and surrounding the urethra.
Semen Analysis - the measurement of sperm concentration and volume (quantity), motility (active) and morphology (live sperm).
Scrotum - a protuberance of skin and muscle containing the testicle. It is an extension of the abdomen and is located between the penis and anus.
Testis - (plural: testes) the male gonad. One of the two reproductive glands located in the scrotum that produce the male reproductive cells or spermatozoa (sperm) and the male hormone testosterone.
Urethra - the tube that connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body and also functions as a passage for semen.
Vas Deferens - the excretory duct of the testis, the continuation of the canal of epididymus. This slim muscular tube, approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm) long, transports the sperm from each testis to the prostatic urethra.
Vasoepididymostomy - anastomosis or reconnection of the vas deferens and the epidiymis.
Vasovasostomy or Vas Reversal - the process of reconnecting the tubes or vas deferens that were cut during a vasectomy.