Is the epididymis soft or hard?

The epididymis is a common component of the male reproductive system and plays an important role in the male reproductive system. Generally, the epididymis is soft. If the epididymis becomes hard, it is likely that there is an inflammatory problem in the epididymis and treatment is needed in a timely manner. The following is an introduction to the cell composition of the epididymis.

1. Spermatogenic cells

Spermatogenesis begins with spermatogenic cells, and forms sperm through a complex process of cell division, chromosome gene exchange and halving, sex chromosome (X, Y chromosome) formation, cell metamorphosis (appearance of sperm tail), etc. Spermatogenic cells can be divided into five generations according to their developmental stage, namely spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and sperm.

2. Support cells

The functions of supporting cells are many and complex, and have not yet been fully understood. However, it plays an important role in maintaining the differentiation and development of spermatogenic cells, so some people call supporting cells the nurse cells of sperm. Supporting cells can separate the seminiferous tubules into two isolated areas with different internal and external environments to ensure that spermatogenic cells develop and differentiate in the best internal environment. On the other hand, sperm is a haploid cell that is different from somatic cells (only 23 chromosomes) and has specific antigen components, but due to the isolation barrier function of supporting cells, immune active substances in the blood are prevented from contacting sperm, so no autoimmune response is caused in any individual. The role of supporting cells in making the lumen of the seminiferous tubules different from the blood environment is called the blood-testis barrier. It is now also known that supporting cells can secrete a number of substances to increase the utilization level of androgens in the seminiferous tubules and participate in feedback regulation in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis.

3. Mesenchymal cells

Leydig cells are the most specialized cells in the testicular stroma. They account for almost 12% of the testicular volume. They can synthesize and secrete androgens under the regulation of pituitary sex hormones and are important cells for maintaining male sexual function.