Function of the epididymis

The epididymis is not unfamiliar to men, because it is also a very important organ in the male body, which will directly affect the male's physical health. Many male diseases are caused by epididymis abnormalities in clinical practice, so the protection of the epididymis should also be taken seriously. Of course, the epididymis is also very important for the function of the human body, so what are the functions and effects of the male epididymis?

1. Epididymis

The epididymis is an organ composed of many tortuous and tiny tubes. It is connected to the vas deferens on one side and to the tortuous sperm duct of the testis on the other side. When the sperm leaves the testis, it runs into the epididymis and continues to grow and mature. The epididymis is located at the upper end and posterior edge of the testis. The epididymis duct is about 4-5 meters long and is coiled to form the body and tail. It helps the maturation of sperm. The epididymis is closely attached to the upper end and posterior edge of the testis and can be divided into three parts: the head, the body, and the tail. The head is formed by the coiling of the efferent ductules, and the end of the efferent ductules is connected to an epididymis duct. The epididymis duct is about 4-5 meters long and is coiled to form the body and tail. The end of the tube turns sharply upward and continues directly to become the vas deferens. In addition to storing sperm, the epididymal duct can also secrete epididymal fluid, which contains certain hormones, enzymes and specific nutrients that help the maturation of sperm.

2. Function

The physiological function of the epididymis is to promote sperm maturation, store and discharge sperm, and it completes the above functions through the absorption, secretion and concentration function of epididymal epithelial cells. Therefore, if the complex function is not good, it will directly affect the fertility function. It is recommended that if there is epididymitis or other symptoms, it should be actively treated to avoid future infertility. It is recommended to develop a regular lifestyle, do not stay up late often, avoid smoking and drinking, and eat more vegetables and fruits.

3. Others

The epididymis also has a barrier function, preventing sperm from entering the epididymal epithelium and avoiding the occurrence of an immune response. There are phagocytes in the epididymis, and sperm that are not excreted will be gradually decomposed and absorbed by the phagocytes of the epididymis. The epididymis is prone to inflammatory infections, inducing acute and chronic epididymitis. Acute epididymitis is mostly caused by urinary system prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis spreading along the vas deferens to the epididymis, and acute epididymitis may become chronic epididymitis if it is not treated thoroughly.