Difference between epididymis and testis

The epididymis and testicles are two common organs in men, and they have a relatively important impact on male sexual function and fertility. Of course, the specific structures and functions of the two are somewhat different. Only when both are normal can they guarantee male fertility. Below, we will introduce the relevant knowledge about the epididymis and testicles in detail!

1. Basic Introduction to Epididymis

The epididymis is an organ composed of many tortuous and small tubes. It is connected to the vas deferens on one side and to the tortuous and small seminiferous tubules of the testis on the other side. When sperm leaves the testis, it goes to 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 sperm mature.

The epididymis is closely attached to the upper and posterior edges of the testis and can be divided into three parts: the head, body, and 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 coils to form the body and tail. The end of the tube turns sharply upward and directly continues to become the vas deferens. In addition to storing sperm, the epididymis duct can also secrete epididymis fluid, which contains certain hormones, enzymes, and specific nutrients that help sperm maturation.

2. The role of the epididymis

The epididymis is actually a set of duct systems. The epididymis caput is composed of 15-20 testicular efferent tubules, which form 50-10 epididymal cones. Finally, they merge into one epididymal duct, which is highly coiled into the epididymal body and tail, and then migrates into the vas deferens. The main function of the epididymis is to provide a running and storage environment for sperm maturation. After sperm is produced by the testis, it does not have the ability to combine with the egg. The epididymis plays an important role at this time. Sperm reaches maturity after the epididymis, acquires the ability to move, acquires the ability to recognize the zona pellucida of the egg, and acquires the ability to combine with the egg.

3. Basic Introduction to Testicles

The testicles are located in the scrotum, one on each side. The testicle is a slightly flattened ellipse with a smooth surface, divided into inner and outer sides, anterior and posterior edges, and upper and lower ends. The anterior edge is free; the posterior edge has blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels entering and exiting, and is in contact with the epididymis and the lower part of the vas deferens (testis). There is a thick fibrous membrane on the surface of the testicle, called the tunica albuginea. The tunica albuginea thickens along the posterior edge of the testicle and protrudes into the testicle to form the testicular septum. Many connective tissue septa emanate from the septum, dividing the testicular parenchyma into many testicular lobules. The testicular lobules contain coiled seminiferous tubules, and the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules can produce sperm.

4. The role of testicles

The testicles are located in the scrotum, one on each side. The testicles secrete male hormones, which play an important role in the development and maturation of male reproductive organs and the appearance of male secondary sexual characteristics. Under normal circumstances, the testicles will not hurt. If the testicles hurt, it means that the testicles are sick and need to be checked and treated in time.