Function of Epididymis

The epididymis is a male reproductive organ present in vertebrate species that practise internal fertilisation.The epididymis is the tube that transports both urine and sperm out of the penis. The epididymis is a comma-shaped, elongated structure made up of a single fine tubular structure that can reach a length of up to 6 metres (20 ft). This tube is severely twisted and squeezed to the point of seeming solid (average size of roughly 5 cm).It’s situated between the vas efferens and the vas deferens, which leaves the testis. It serves a variety of purposes, including sperm movement, concentration, protection, and storage.

Definition Epididymis 

It’s a convoluted duct in the male reproductive system that’s mostly responsible for storing sperm. It is found in the testes in the shape of a tube-like structure made up of smooth muscle.

The created sperms mature, are stored, and then transferred into the urethra through the muscular tube known as the vas deferens. The epididymis stores mature sperm for roughly 20 to 30 days. Not only does the epididymis aid in the storage and maturation of sperm, but it also transports urine and sperm out through the penis.

Structure of Epididymis

At the back of the testis, there is a thin, tightly coiled tube-like structure. All male reproductive systems, including humans, mammals, reptiles, and birds, have an epididymis. The epididymis in mature humans normally measures between 6 and 7 metres (20 to 23 feet) in length. The epididymis major role in the male reproductive system is to connect the different ductules from the back of each testicle and testicle to the vas deferens.

Functions of Epididymis

The epididymis is a coiled tube with a considerable diameter. Seminiferous tubule sperm travel to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. The sperms travel to the vas deferens and then to the urethra via the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation.

The head, body, and tail of each epididymis are separated.

• The broad region of the epididymis above the testes posteriorly is known as the head or caput epididymis. It keeps the sperm in storage until they are ready to mature. Different ductules attach it to the testes

• The long coiled tube where sperms mature is known as the body or corpus epididymis

• The tail, or cauda epididymis, is attached to the vas deferens and contains mature sperm

Thick pseudostratified columnar epithelium lines the epididymis’s wall. The stereocilia reabsorb the fluid, increasing the concentration of sperm. Glycoproteins are secreted by the main cells and aid in the development of spermatozoa. The epithelium in the tail is the thinnest. Smooth muscles abound in the tail region, which also possesses shorter stereocilia. Apical cells, which are rich in mitochondria, are abundant in the head area.

When sperm reach the epididymis’s head, they are not fully grown and motile. In humans, it takes 2-6 days for sperm to develop and become motile during their passage through the epididymis. Until ejaculation, their motility is decreased in the epididymis. They are stored in the tail area and transferred to the ejaculatory duct via the vas deferens during ejaculation before exiting the urethra. The female reproductive tract is the sole site where sperms reach their full maturity or capacitation.

Epididymis Development

The tissue that originally formed the mesonephros, a primitive kidney seen in many aquatic animals, is developed into the epididymis in the embryo. If the cranial end of the mesonephric duct persists, it will leave a remnant known as the epididymis appendix. Furthermore, the paradidymis, a tiny body caudal to the efferent ductules, can continue to exist as a remnant of the mesonephric tubules.

Epididymis Disorders

The epididymis, commonly known as the sperm maturation site, is a supporting structure of the male reproductive system. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis that is most common in young men between the ages of 19 and 35. One in every 1000 men is diagnosed with this condition. 

Epididymitis, both acute and chronic, is a bacterial infection caused by the following factors:

• Being a non-circumcised person

• Using a urethral catheter on a regular basis

• Any recent surgery or a history of structural abnormalities in the urinary system 

• Having sexual intercourse with several partners and  avoiding the use of contraception

Epididymitis Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of epididymitis (both acute and chronic): 

• Fever 

• Chills

• The testicle has a lump in it

• The urethra discharges 

• During ejaculation, blood is released 

• In the testicular area, there is a strong sensation

•  When you apply pressure to your testicles, the agony gets worse

• Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort

• During urine or ejaculation, there is pain or burning

Epididymitis Diagnosis and Treatment

Physical examination and other body fluid tests, such as a complete blood count, can be used to diagnose this type of epididymitis inflammation. This is followed by a testicular scan and Doppler ultrasound. Once bacterial infections have been discovered, patients can be treated with antibacterial pills, injections, and other medications to reduce and improve the symptoms of the infections.

Epididymitis Prevention or Safety Measure

There are various safety precautions that must be followed. In order to thoroughly heal the infection and avoid recurrence.

 The following are some of the safeguards to take:

• A healthy way of living

•  Treating sexual partners as epididymitis contacts 

• Avoid having sexual intercourse with your partner till he has finished his treatment

• Follow-ups and sexually transmitted infection screenings should be done every two months

Conclusion

Male infertility can be caused by epididymitis, which is one of the most common causes. Even after a complete bacteriological cure, long-lasting negative effects are common. This has something to do with the epididymis’ own immunological properties. We discussed the location and function of epididymis. The goal of this article is to help researchers better understand the epididymis’ immunological milieu and to guide future epididymitis treatments. However, there is a scarcity of human data on various causes of acute epididymitis, necessitating future investigation.