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The epididymis is present in male reptiles, birds, mammals, and cartilaginous fish. [1] The caput epididymidis is fused to the testis in eutherian mammals, but not in marsupials. [13] In reptiles, there is an additional canal between the testis and the head of the epididymis and which receives the various efferent ducts.
For example, the intra-abdominal low sperm storage capacity of the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) epididymis [2] informed the role of the epididymis as the prime mover in the evolution of descended testes in mammals as it relates to lower extra-gonadal temperatures enhancing epididymal sperm storage in scrotal mammals. [3]
The epididymis is a long whitish mass of tightly coiled tube. The sperm that are produced in the seminiferous tubules flow into the epididymis. During passage via the epididymis, the sperm undergo maturation and are concentrated by the action of ion channels located on the apical membrane of the epididymis. [2]
Epididymitis is a painful inflammation of the epididymis or epididymides, frequently caused by bacterial infection but sometimes of unknown origin. Anorchia is the absence of one or both testicles. Cryptorchidism, or "undescended testicles", is when the testicle does not descend into the scrotum of an infant boy. [30]
In mammals, spermatozoa are produced in the seminiferous tubules and flow into the epididymal duct. The end of the epididymis is connected to the vas deferens. The vas deferens ends with an opening into the ejaculatory duct at a point where the duct of the seminal vesicle also joins the ejaculatory duct. [1]
In a male embryo, the testicular cords will induce the development of the Wolffian duct into the vas deferens, epididymis and the seminal vesicle and cause the repression and regression of the Mullerian duct. [4] The other male sex organs (ex. the prostate) as well as external genitalia are also formed under the influence of testosterone. [4]
A gonad, sex gland, or reproductive gland [1] is a mixed gland and sex organ that produces the gametes and sex hormones of an organism. Female reproductive cells are egg cells, and male reproductive cells are sperm. [2]
Blood is an example of such a fluid, but semen was also widely believed to be of supernatural origin and effect and was, as a result, considered holy or sacred. The ancient Sumerians believed that semen was "a divine substance, endowed on humanity by Enki ", the god of water.