Testes and Epididymis Flashcards
what is the testes
the site of sperm production and hormone synthesis
what is the epididymis
has a role in the storage of sperm
anatomical prostions of the teste
The testes are located within the scrotum, with the epididymis situated on the posterolateral aspect of each testicle. Commonly, the left testicle lies lower than the right. They are suspended from the abdomen by the spermatic cord – collection of vessels, nerves and ducts that supply the testes.
Originally, the testes are located on the posterior abdominal wall. During embryonic development they descend down the abdomen, and through the inguinal canal to reach the scrotum. They carry their neurovascular and lymphatic supply with them.
anatomical structure of the testes
The testes have an ellipsoid shape. They consist of a series of lobules, each containing seminiferous tubules supported by interstitial tissue. The seminiferous tubules are lined by Sertoli cells that aid the maturation process of the spermatozoa. In the interstitial tissue lie the Leydig cells that are responsible for testosterone production.
Spermatozoa are produced in the seminiferous tubules. The developing sperm travels through the tubules, collecting in the rete testes. Ducts known as efferent tubules transport the sperm from the rete testes to the epididymis for storage and maturation.
Inside the scrotum, the testes are covered almost entirely by the tunica vaginalis, a closed sac of parietal peritoneal origin that creates a thin sac containing a small amount of viscous fluid. This sac covers the anterior surface and sides of each testicle and works much like the peritoneal sac, lubricating the surfaces of the testes and allowing for friction-free movement.
The testicular parenchyma is protected by the tunica albuginea, a fibrous capsule that encloses the testes. It penetrates into the parenchyma of each testicle with diaphragms, dividing it into lobules.
anatomical structure of the epidymus
The epididymis consists of a single heavily coiled duct. It can be divided into three parts; head, body and tail.
Head – The most proximal part of the epididymis. It is formed by the efferent tubules of the testes, which transport sperm from the testes to the epididymis.
Body – Formed by the heavily coiled duct of the epididymis.
Tail – The most distal part of the epididymis. It marks the origin of the vas deferens, which transports sperm to the prostatic portion of the urethra for ejaculation.
