epididymis

Construction of the epididymis

The epididymis or epididymis is a comma-shaped organ located in the scrotum. The epididymis lie behind the testicles or testes. You have two testicles, including two testicles. Each epididymis consists of a tube that is completely rolled up. The total length of the tube is no less than six meters.

From the epididymis, the vas deferens springs which then goes to the prostate through the groin. Behind the prostate, the vas deferens, together with the removal of seminal vesicles. The seminal vesicles are glands that produce semen.

Male genitalia epididymis

Function of the epididymis

The epididymis has an important role in the maturing and storage of sperm cells. The sperm cells produced in the testicles are transported to the epididymis. In the epididymis ripen them further. Further, here, they develop the ability to swim and to bind itself to the female egg.

Operation of the epididymis

The sperm coming from the testicle to the epididymis. The sperm then move through the six meter long tube back before they are released during ejaculation. During this trip the sperm cells mature. This maturation takes place in a predominantly acidic environment, so that the sperm are inactive and thereby use little energy. After maturing sperm cells are transported in the epididymis to the vas deferens or (if there will be no ejaculation) absorbed through the epididymis. The epididymis is not involved in hormone production.

Problems with the epididymis

The epididymitis. An inflamed epididymis is caused by a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that has extended to the vas deferens. The epididymitis is usually unilateral and gives pain and swelling at the rear of one of the testicles. Often, the cause of a chlamydia epididymitis.