Where is epididymis

Near the top of the testis is the head of the epididymis, which stores sperm until it is ready to undergo maturation. Next is the body, a long, twisted tube where the sperm matures. This maturation takes approximately one week. Last is the tail, which connects to the deferent duct, also referred to as the ductus deferens or vas deferens.

From here, the sperm is transported to the ejaculatory duct. Partially surrounding and separating the epididymis from the testis is a thin sheet of tissue referred to as the tunica vaginalis. The walls of the epididymis are lined in pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue, meaning that the arrangement of the cells gives the appearance of two layers, although it is only one.

The lumbar vertebrae are the largest movable bones of the backbone. Male reproductive system Open pop-up dialog box Close. Male reproductive system The male reproductive system makes, stores and moves sperm. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Epididymitis. Centers for Disease Control and Infection. Accessed Aug. Merck Manual Professional Version.

Eyre RC. Evaluation of acute scrotal pain in adults. Evaluation of nonacute scrotal conditions in adults. As sperm travel through the epididymis they are exposed to a number of signals from the cells of the epididymis that drive their maturation. Hundreds, or even thousands, of different genes have been identified as being expressed in the different sections of the epididymis, and many have been shown to be involved in sperm maturation in humans and other species.

There are several acquired health conditions that can affect the epididymis. Epididymitis , or inflammation of the epididymis, is probably the most common.

In sexually active, adult men, this is often the result of a sexually transmitted infection , such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Certain types of infertility may also be related to the health of the epididymis.

In particular, obstructive infertility occurs when there is a blockage that prevents the passage of sperm. This blockage may be partial, in which case some sperm may get through, or complete. Not all obstructive infertility is the result of blockages in the epididymis, but many cases are. Obstructions in the epididymis can be the result of scarring from infection, congenital abnormalities, or injuries.

Other problems with the epididymis—such as attachment issues and agenesis—can also affect fertility. Sometimes, but not always, these fertility concerns can be addressed with surgery to restore a pathway along which sperm can mature. At other times, sperm can be harvested from before the blockage and used for assisted reproduction. It is also important to note that vasectomy can affect the health of the epididymis. Vasectomy is a surgical sterilization process that disrupts and blocks the vas deferens so that sperm can not get into the ejaculate.

In some, but not all, individuals, the process may be reversible. Whether or not the procedure is reversible appears to be, at least in part, because of the ways in which vasectomy affects the health of the epididymis. A buildup of sperm in the epididymis after vasectomy is thought to potentially lead to damage, and there may be damage from inflammation and other immune responses, such as granuloma formation, as well.

In general, tests of the epididymis are not performed unless an individual experiences pain in the scrotum or symptoms of infertility. If needed, ultrasound can be used to examine the epididymis and to detect any abnormalities. It can also sometimes be used to distinguish be epididymitis and other health concerns such as testicular torsion. Biopsy of the epididymis may be used to identify abnormal growths. Needle aspiration can also be used to collect sperm for diagnostic procedures or assisted reproduction.

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI can be used to image the epididymis and testes to identify congenital and other abnormalities. Semen analysis can also be used to identify issues with sperm quality, which may or may not be linked to the function of the epididymis.

It stores sperm for maturation. The body of the epididymis is a highly convoluted duct which connects the head to the tail of the epididymis. Sperm mature in this section of the epididymis. The tail of the epididymis is continuous with the deferent duct.