Epididymis
The epididymis is part of the male sex organs and is located at the upper pole of the testicle . In the epididymis, maturation occurs from sperm cell to sperm . In addition, the epididymis also serves as a seed store.
Definition
The epididymis is a genital organ that rests on the testicles. The epididymis consists largely of the epididymal duct. In the head and body of the epididymis, sperm cells mature into sperm and are then stored in the tail of the sex organ. The most common disease of the epididymis is epididymitis, also known as epididymitis.
Anatomy
The epididymis, which is about five to six centimeters long, is divided anatomically into the head (caput epididymidis, body (corpus epididymidis) and tail (cauda epididymidis). It rests on the testicle, with the head of the epididymis touching the upper pole of the testicle. Via a tissue , the mesepididymis, the epididymis is closely connected with the testicle.
The epididymal duct (ductus epididymidis) is located in the epididymis. It is about six meters long when unfolded, but takes up very little space due to its strong entanglement. The ducts of the epididymis are lined with epithelium, on which so-called stereocilia are located.
Stereocilia are long cell extensions and are used to absorb and release numerous substances. Surrounding the epithelial tissue are myofibroblasts (connective tissue cells) and smooth muscle cells . The epididymis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a connective tissue covering, and is also encased together with the testis by the epiorchium.
In the head of the epididymis are the efferent ducts. The immature sperm cells travel from the testes to the epididymis via these small canals. The arterial supply of the epididymis is provided by the testicular artery, which originates from the abdominal aorta. The venous outflow occurs via the pampiniform plexus, the lymphatic outflow via the nodi lympathici lumbales and the nodi lymphatici iliaci interni.
Function
The epididymis is responsible for maturation of sperm cells and storing sperm. This happens on the one hand through the absorption of water and on the other hand through the secretion of various components that make the sperm more capable of fertilization. Water absorption in the epididymal ducts is estrogen-dependent , and the secretion of fertilization-enhancing substances is dependent on androgens.
The DNA is condensed by the storage of proteins in the nucleus of the sperm. This makes the sperm head smaller. Furthermore, there is a reduction in the intercellular fluid, which makes the sperm slimmer. All these processes have only one purpose. They should make the sperm capable of motility, i.e. ensure that they can later travel from the vagina to the egg cell without any problems.
It takes the sperm about two weeks to complete the passage through the epididymal duct. The sperm, now ready for ejaculation, are then stored in the tail of the epididymal duct.
Diseases
- Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
- Adenomatoide
The most common disease of the epididymis is epididymitis. The disease, also known as epididymitis, is usually caused by increasing inflammation of the bladder or prostate . Epididymitis can also occur after prostate surgery or vasectomy. The epididymis can become inflamed on just one side or on both sides. Typical causative agents of epididymitis are chlamydia and gonococci, especially Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea .
Epididymitis is manifested by increasing pain, redness and overheating of the affected testicles. Swelling can also occur. There is also fever and pain when urinating . Because of these symptoms, epididymitis can easily be mistaken for a urinary tract infection . Depending on the degree of inflammation, blood may appear in the urine or semen. Due to admixture of pus, the ejaculate can appear yellowish a few days before and during the inflammation.
Symptoms of epididymitis are similar to symptoms of testicular torsion . Since testicular torsion is an absolute emergency, men should not hesitate to consult a doctor if they experience pain in their testicles.
Prehn’s sign is useful for the differential diagnosis of epididymitis and testicular torsion. The affected testicle is slightly lifted by the examiner. If it is an epididymitis, the pain will subside when you lift it. With testicular torsion, the pain stays the same or gets worse.
If the epididymis is inflamed, strict bed rest is indicated. The affected testicle should be kept cold and elevated for several days. Depending on the pathogen, antibiotics are administered . As a rule, the illness does not last longer than ten days. If the inflammation is delayed or the therapy is given too late, there is a risk that the affected man will become infertile.
Epididymal tumors are rare. Especially in the context of the Hippel-Lindau syndrome, benign tumors increasingly form on the epididymis. Adenomatoids, benign tumors of the genital organs, also form primarily in the epididymal tissue.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.