In male mammals, excretory and reproductive systems share a. the vas deferens. b. the urethra. c. the seminal vesicle. d. the prostate.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the function of each option: The vas deferens transports sperm from the testes, the urethra serves as a passage for urine and semen, the seminal vesicle produces seminal fluid, and the prostate secretes prostate fluid.
2. Recognize that the question asks for a shared component between excretory and reproductive systems in male mammals.
3. Understand that the excretory system involves the elimination of urine, and the reproductive system involves the passage of semen.
4. Determine which option is involved in both urine and semen passage. The urethra is the only structure listed that serves as a passage for both urine (excretory function) and semen (reproductive function).
5. Select the correct answer: b. the urethra.

Key Concepts

Male Reproductive Anatomy

In male mammals, the reproductive system includes structures such as the testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland. These organs are responsible for producing and transporting sperm, as well as contributing to seminal fluid. Understanding the anatomy helps clarify how these systems interact.

Urethra Function

The urethra is a tube that serves dual purposes in male mammals: it carries urine from the bladder and transports semen during ejaculation. This shared pathway is crucial for understanding how the excretory and reproductive systems are interconnected in males.

Vas Deferens Role

The vas deferens is a muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. While it is primarily part of the reproductive system, it does not serve a function in the excretory system, highlighting the distinction between these systems despite their proximity in male anatomy.