Epididymis
The epididymis (/ɛpɪˈdɪdɪmɪs/; pl.: epididymides /ɛpɪdɪˈdɪmədiːz/ or /ɛpɪˈdɪdəmɪdiːz/) is an elongated tubular structure attached to the posterior side of each one of the two male reproductive glands, the testicles. It is a single, narrow, tightly coiled tube in adult humans, 6 to 7 centimetres (2.4 to 2.8 in) in length; uncoiled the tube would be approximately 6 m (20 feet) long. It connects the testicle to the vas deferens in the male reproductive system. The epididymis serves as an interconnection between the multiple efferent ducts at the rear of a testicle (proximally), and the vas deferens (distally). Its primary function is the storage, maturation and transport of sperm cells.
Epididymis | |
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Adult human testicle with epididymis: A. Head of epididymis, B. Body of epididymis, C. Tail of epididymis, and D. Vas deferens | |
The right testicle, exposed by laying open the tunica vaginalis. | |
Details | |
Precursor | Wolffian duct |
Vein | Pampiniform plexus |
Identifiers | |
Latin | epididymis |
MeSH | D004822 |
TA98 | A09.3.02.001 |
TA2 | 3603 |
FMA | 18255 |
Anatomical terminology |
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