Length of Epididymis: Structure, Function and Epididymitis

The epididymis is one of the sex accessory ducts in males along with vasa efferentia, vas deferens, and rete testis. Sperms (male gametes) enter the epididymis through vasa efferentia. The epididymis is located in the posterior surface of each testis, then the epididymis leads to the vas deferens that go into the abdomen. The epididymis is a convoluted duct present attached to the testis by the vasa efferentia. The epididymis is the common passage for both sperms and urine in males. It is the thin coiled tube-like structure present at the posterior part of the testis. It is 6 to 7 meters in length. The epididymis is the connecting duct between efferent ducts and each testis. Inflammation of epididymis can cause epididymitis. It is common in the males of the age group between 19 to 35. Epididymitis can be diagnosed easily and can be prevented by maintaining hygiene and performing safe sex. 

Keyterms: Epididymis, Vasa efferentia, Vas deferens, Rete testis, Sperm, Gamete, Testis, Urine, Abdomen

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What is Epididymis?

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Epididymis is 6 to 7 meters (20ft to 23 ft) in length. The epididymis is the accessory dust of the male reproductive system, it is convoluted, thin, and is made up of smooth muscles. The epididymis receives the sperms produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testis through the vasa efferentia, the sperms are matured in the epididymis and are then stored in it too, the epididymis can store the matured sperms for 20 to 30 days, as the epididymis is the connecting link between the vasa efferentia and vas deferens. It plays an important role in the transportation of sperms from the testis to the vas deferens then to the urethra of the human male reproductive system, the epididymis also carries the urine in the human males.

Epididymis

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Structure of Epididymis

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The epididymis is a thin highly coiled tubular structure and is found in the reproductive system of all males, for example in humans, reptiles, and birds. It is located on the backside of each testis. The length of the epididymis in humans is 6 to 7 meters. The epididymis is very thin and highly coiled which is why it becomes easy to fix it in the small area of the human body. 

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Function of Epididymis

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The main function of the epididymis is said to be the formation of a connection between the rear side of each testicle to the vas deferens in the male reproductive system. The epididymis is attached to the testicle through another coiled tubule called vasa efferentia from which the epididymis receives the sperms, after its entry. The epididymis sperms get matured and after the maturation process, the sperms become fit to be passed to the vas deferens. The epididymis is also the common passage of sperms and urine.

Testis and Epididymis

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Development of Epididymis

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The epididymis is developed in the males at their embryonic stage, at the developing stage of the embryo, the epididymis is formed from the same tissues that give rise to mesonephros in the aquatic vertebrates. Some remnants of the mesonephric duct are left behind in the form of an appendix of the epididymis, few parts of mesonephric tubules can also continue to exist as the paradidymis, it is a very small body caudal attached to the efferent tubules.

Read More: Thermoregulation

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Disorders of Epididymis

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The epididymis is the important supporting structure of the male reproductive system in humans and animals, epididymis is also important for the maturation and the storing processes of the sperms. Epididymitis is the inflammatory disease of the epididymis, it is commonly caused at the age of 19 to 35, the rarity of this disease is 1 in 1000 males. Epididymitis can be for both short period(acute) and long-period(chronic)

The disease is mainly caused because of following reasons:

1. Uncircumcised penis develops risk for epididymitis.
2. Use of urethral catheters regularly.
3. Recent surgeries or any structural problems.
4. Having sexual relations with multiple partners without contraception.

Epididymitis

Symptoms of Epididymitis

The symptoms of epididymitis are:

• Fever
• Lumps in testis
• Discharge from urethra
• Blood discharged at the time of copulation
• Burning sensations in the testicle area.
• Testis pains with pressure
• Discomfort in the pelvis
• Pain and burning during the urination and ejaculation

Preventive Measures

Epididymitis can be prevented by following the given steps:

• Following a healthy lifestyle
• Performing sex with contraception
• Maintaining hygiene

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Things to Remember

• The epididymis is one of the sex accessory ducts in males whether it is human or animal.
• The epididymis is about 6 to 7 meters in length
• The epididymis receives the sperms produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testis through the vasa efferentia and then delivers to the vas deferens
• It is the site of sperm maturation. And also stores the sperms.
• The epididymis is the common passage for sperms and urine.
• It is developed in the males at their embryonic stage.
• Epididymitis is the inflammatory disease of the epididymis.
• Proper hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can prevent epididymitis.