Epididymis

Question 1

How are the immobile gametes transported into the epididymis

Answer 1

By fluid currents, created by cilia lining the efferent ductules.

Question 2

Epididymis

Answer 2

1. Is the start of the male reproductive tract
2. Is a coiled tube bound to the posterior border of each testis
3. Each epididymis is almost 7 m long/23’
4. Has a head, body, and tail

Question 3

The superior head

Answer 3

Is the portion of the epididymis proximal to the testes.

Receives spermatozoa from the Efferent ductules.

Question 4

The body begins

Answer 4

Distal to the last efferent ductule and extends inferiorly along the posterior margin of the testes

Question 5

Tail

Answer 5

Near the inferior border of the testes the number of coils decreases, marking the start of the tail.

The tail ascends to its connection with the ductus deferens.

Spermatozoa are stored primarily within the tale of the epididymis

Question 6

3 functions of the epididymis

Answer 6

1. It monitors and adjusts the composition of the fluid produced by the seminiferous tubules.
2. It acts as a recycling center for damaged spermatozoa.
3. It stores and protects spermatozoa and facilitates their functional maturation

Question 7

The pseudostratified columnar epithelial lining of the epididymis has distinctive

Answer 7

Stereocilia.

These stereocilia increase the surface area available for absorption from, and secretion into, the fluid in the tubule

Question 8

It takes up to—- for a spermatozoon to pass through the epididymis and complete its functional maturation

Answer 8

Two weeks

Question 9

Spermatozoa leaving the epididymis are immobile. To become mobile and fully function they must undergo a process called

Answer 9

Capacitation

Question 10

Capacitation takes place into steps

Answer 10

1. Spermatozoa become motile when they are mixed with secretions of the seminal glands
2. They become capable of successful fertilization when exposed to conditions in the female reproductive tract.

Question 11

What prevents premature capacitation

Answer 11

An unidentified substance secreted by the Epididymis

Question 12

Transport along the epididymis involves a combination of

Answer 12

Fluid movement and peristaltic contractions of smooth muscle

Question 13

After passing along the tale of the epididymis, the spermatozoa

Answer 13

enter the ductus deferens