Both a surgical block of the vas deferens in the male and a surgical block of the fallopian tube in the femal…

Question

Both a surgical block of the vas deferens in the male and a surgical block of the fallopian tube in the female prevent fertilisation, yet through different mechanisms. Explain precisely why each method prevents fertilisation.

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer **Vas deferens (male) — Vasectomy:** The vas deferens carries sperms from the testes to the urethra. When surgically blocked, sperms cannot travel to the female reproductive tract. Since no sperms reach the egg, fertilisation cannot occur. **Fallopian tube (female) — Tubectomy:** The fallopian tube carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus and is the site where fertilisation normally takes place. When blocked, the egg and sperms cannot meet, so fertilisation is prevented. Source: How We Reproduce, Section 7.3.3 (a) & (b) --- ## Explanation - Examiners expect students to name **what each duct transports** and **what is blocked as a result**. - Key phrase for vas deferens: *sperms cannot reach the egg*. - Key phrase for fallopian tube: *egg and sperm cannot meet* (fertilisation normally occurs here). - Mentioning the common names **vasectomy** and **tubectomy** adds precision but is not mandatory for full marks. - Do not confuse the two — vas deferens is **male**; fal…

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