What is an epididymis?
epididymis is a twisted tube of about 20 feet (6 m) of the length surrounded by connective tissue and blood vessels. It lies inside the scrotum just behind the testicles and it is where the sperm is stored for maturation. Anatomically, the epididymal structure consists of a large upper or head, body and tail at the bottom. The head receives newly formed sperm from the testes, while the tail carries ripe sperm towards Vas deferens, a tube that leads to the pelvis and through the ejaculation channel and the urethra to the penis. Within its storage process, it absorbs the epididymis of fluid and adds nutrients that are used to educate semen. Inside the testes are coils of seminar tubules. The sperm is formed in the walls of these tubules in front of the drain into the head of the epididymis. When the sperm leaves the testicles, they are immature and lack mobility. They get both maturity and mobility.
While in the epididymis, the sperm acquires the ability to proceed forward. This is possible due to the activation of the protein known as Catsper. Catsper is located onsperm tail and acts as a channel, allowing calcium ion flow to flow. This leads to the contraction of fibrous proteins and the characteristic movement of the tail.
smooth muscle cells surrounding the walls of the epididymal pipe contract and help move sperm. The tail of the epididymis generates vas deferens, a tube that carries ripe sperm. The key vesic, a structure that produces a nutrient fluid for sperm, is associated with VAS deferens to form an ejaculation channel. This opens into the urethra, a tube leading from the bladder that passes through the prostate to enter the penis.
epididymitis or inflammation of the epididymis usually occurs as a result of an infection. It can be sudden or long -term, with symptoms including pain in the scrotum, redness and swelling. Bacterial infections usually spread back from VAS deferens, sometimes in conjunction with urinary tract infection or sexually transmittedthe disease. If it was not treated, abscess could be formed, epididymal tissue damage or infection could spread to the testicles. In general, epididymitis can be treated by a combination of antibiotics and pain relief.
sudden severe scrotum pain should always be evaluated by a doctor. This is because similar symptoms may be caused by a state called testicular torsion. Here the sperm cord circulates around, cuts the blood supply to the testicles and requires emergency surgery.