EPIDIDYMUS encyclopedia topics

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. 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 peristaltic action of muscle layers within the vas deferens, and are mixed with the diluting fluids of the seminal vesicles and other accessory glands prior to ejaculation (forming semen).

The epididymis is one of only two regions of the body to have stereocilia (the inner ear being the other.)

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 homologous remnant in the female.

In the 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 ductules.

Epididymectomy

This is the surgical removal of the Epididymis, carried out under local anaesthesia. This is most often perfomed to relieve pain associated post-Vasectomy. Removal is most often followed by a course of pain relieving medication, such as Diclofenac.