During a vasectomy, which structure is cut?

• A. Ureter
• B. Vas deferens
• C. Epididymis
• D. Spermatic cord

Answer: (B)

The structure cut is the vas deferens, the duct that carries sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra. In a vasectomy, this duct is severed and often sealed to block sperm from entering the semen during ejaculation. As a result, semen still comes from the seminal vesicles and prostate, but it no longer contains sperm, so fertilization cannot occur. The ureter is part of the urinary system and not part of the sperm pathway, the epididymis stores and matures sperm but is not typically cut, and the spermatic cord includes several structures but the procedure specifically targets the vas deferens itself.