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Epididymis
nThe epididymis is a
comma-shaped structure composed of an internal duct and an external covering of connective tissue.
nIts head lies on the
superior surface of the testis, while the body and tail are posterior to the testis.
nInternally, the
epididymis contains a long, convoluted duct of the epididymis, which is approximately 4 to 5 meters in length.
nSperm must reside in
the epididymis for a period of time to become mature and fully motile.
nIf they are expelled
too soon, they lack the motility
necessary to travel
through the female reproductive tract and fertilize an oocyte.
nIf sperm are not
ejected from the male reproductive system in a timely manner, the old sperm degenerate in the epididymis.