Epididymis
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2008-06-30T14:38:13Z
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{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = |
GraySubject = 258 |
GrayPage = 1242 |
Image = Illu testis surface.jpg |
Caption = 1: Epididymis<BR>2: Head of epididymis<BR>3: Lobules of epididymis<BR>4: Body of epididymis<BR>5: Tail of epididymis<BR>6: Duct of epididymis<BR>7: Deferent duct (ductus deferens or [[vas deferens]]) |
Image2 = Gray1148.png |
Caption2 = The right [[testis]], exposed by laying open the [[tunica vaginalis]]. |
Width = 194 |
System = |
Artery = |
Vein = [[Pampiniform plexus]] |
Nerve = |
Lymph = |
Precursor = [[Wolffian duct]] |
MeshName = Epididymis |
MeshNumber = A05.360.444.371 |
}}
The '''epididymis''' is part of the [[human]] [[male]] [[reproductive system]] and is present in all male [[mammal]]s. It is a narrow, tightly-coiled [[tube]] connecting the [[efferent ducts]] from the rear of each [[testicle]] to its [[vas deferens]].
==Regions==
The epididymis can be divided into three main regions
* The head (''Caput'')
* The body (''Corpus'')
* The tail (''Cauda'')
==Role in storage of sperm and ejaculation==
[[Spermatozoa]] formed in the testis enter the caput epididymis, progress to the corpus, and finally reach the cauda region, where they are stored. Sperm entering the caput epididymis are incomplete - they lack the ability to swim forward ([[motility]]) and to [[fertilize]] an egg. During their transit in the epididymis, sperm undergo maturation processes necessary for them to acquire these functions.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Jones R | title = To store or mature spermatozoa? The primary role of the epididymis | journal = Int J Androl | volume = 22 | issue = 2 | pages = 57–67 | year = 1999 | pmid = 10194636 | doi = 10.1046/j.1365-2605.1999.00151.x}} [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/search/expand?pub=infobike://bsc/ija/1999/00000022/00000002/art00151 abstract]</ref> Final maturation is completed in the [[female]] reproductive tract (''[[capacitation]]'').
During [[ejaculation]], sperm flow from the lower portion of the epididymis (which functions as a storage reservoir). They are packed so tightly that they are unable to swim, but are transported via the [[peristalsis|peristaltic]] action of [[muscle]] layers within the [[vas deferens]], and are mixed with the diluting fluids of the [[seminal vesicle]]s and other accessory glands prior to ejaculation (forming [[semen]]).
The epididymis is one of only two regions of the body to have [[stereocilia (epididymis)|stereocilia]] (the [[inner ear]] being the other.)<ref>[http://www.vasectomy-information.com/moreinfo/reabsorb.htm How sperm are re-absorbed into the body<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Pathology==
An inflammation of the epididymis is called [[epididymitis]]. It is a swollen blood vessel from the testicle that appears or feels like an enlarged epididymis.
==Embryology and vestigial structures==
A [[Gartner's duct]] is a [[homology (biology)|homologous]] remnant in the female.
In the [[Embryo|embryo]], the epididymis develops from tissue that once formed the [[mesonephros]], a primitive [[kidney]] found in many aquatic vertebrates. Persistence of the cranial end of the mesonephric duct will leave behind a remnant called the ''[[appendix of the epididymis]]''. In addition, some mesonephric tubules can persist as the ''paradidymis'', a small body caudal to the [[efferent ducts|efferent ductules]].
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Illu repdt male.jpg|Male reproductive system.
Image:Illu testis 1b.jpg|Testis
Image:Mesorchium.svg|Schematic drawing of a cross-section through the vaginal process.
Image:Epididymis.JPG|Microscopic shot.
</gallery>
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
* {{BUHistology|16903loa}}
* {{NormanAnatomy|inguinalregion}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|testes}})
{{Male reproductive system}}
[[Category:Male reproductive system]]
</nowiki>
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